i need help finding the problem in my truck it just revs and doesn't move in drive and reverse but will move when in 1st and 2nd. i also have what looks like transmission fluid leaking. has anyone had this problem and know what's wrong

 

Have you checked the fluid level? When was the last time the fluid and filter were changed? If it's not bright red you are overdue. If it's brown it's been superheated and burnt from running low fluid level. Can you tell where it's leaking?

Low fluid levels (below 1 1/2 qt) and/or a clogged filter will produce the symptoms you describe. Most likely low fluid since you said you've found fluid under it. If it's leaking at the pan, new fluid and filter will fix that...comes with a new pan gasket.

Do you smell burnt oil? Could be the rear shaft seal leaking (onto the exhaust if you smell burnt oil). That's an easy fix, drop the drive shaft, pop the old seal out with a screwdriver or seal removal tool and tap the new one in.

If it's in the front it's likely the front shaft seal. That requires dropping the tranny, removing the torque converter and the seal is around the front shaft.

Three things you want to check...
Fluid level (refer to the maintenance manual, you can download it from Ford's website)
Fluid color and smell
Where is it leaking from

 

Find where the leak is coming from first. There's a slight chance it may not be engaging gears because there is not enough fluid in it.

 

Too hard to tell.

As mentioned, find the leak. Fill to correct level - Google if you don't know how. See what happens. Same issue? Drop Pan replace fluid and filter. If it still happens, get the checkbook out. My order goes from cheapest to most expensive.

 

Very long shot... But i figured I would mention it anyways. It could be coincidental that you have a pan leak, or dipstick tube leaking and that not actually be the cause of the issue. The shift lever on these truck, every single one I've ever seen, can very easily come out of adjustment, or break the little plastic retainer on the dash end of the cable and not be in gear when you think it is... could be why 1, and 2 work but not D.

 

That is a good point. Mine is broken and reads "D" when in park and sits on 1 when in drive. It's a nuisance and a bit of a pain to fix/replace.

Count down from park.... "R(Reverse,1)-N(Neutral,2)-D(Drive,3)" when shifting as see where your needle sits.

You should still check the color and level of the fluid if you suspect a leak and try to track it down before it gets worse.

 

RCButler set aside about 3 hours for when you decide to finally fix that issue. I did it on my '97 and a '98 Xcab... Massive pain in the *****.

 

These shift levers under the steering column are super easy to fix. There's a white plastic piece that always breaks. Just get a replacement if it is broken and install very carefully.

 

Yep....had the same issue with a '97 Explorer.
Used Gorilla glue (the super glue formula) and duct tape. Worked great.

Biggest problem is the lack of space to get hands up in there removing minimum covers....and I didn't want to remove more than was necessary.