Hello. I have a 2000 Ford F150 truck. The starter recently went out and I had it replaced along with the flywheel. When I got the truck back I noticed it wouldn't go into second gear, it just started slipping immediately after driving away and had never done that prior to me taking it to the mechanic. Mind you, the truck has 90,000 miles but had been in good condition. I managed to get the truck home (some 12-15 miles). My driveway is on an incline and I noticed red fluid on the driveway, it wasn't much but enough to make me even more worried. I had a friend come take a look underneath and he said everything seemed to be hooked up right. He turned the truck on and checked the fluid level which appeared to be somewhat fine in level but dark red in color and had a slight burnt smell to it. He then attempted to drive the truck to see what it would do but it wouldn't go into gear at all. Starts fine though. He said it was probably the clutch. Since I am not mechanically inclined..is this a simple fix-transmission fluid and screen change or does this mean I have to replace the transmission? I'd gladly appreciate any input. Thank you.

 

I doubt it's that simple, but if the fluid is dark and burnt it DOES need to be changed completely including a torque converter drain.

Possibly, but I'd get it back to your mechanic for proper troubleshooting.

 

Thank you so much for your unput. I was trying to avoid putting in a new transmission. Can it really mess up in a day?

 

At this point it probably was a simple fix.
That almost certainly destroyed the transmission.

Don't bother changing the fluid and filter, it won't help. Call a wrecker, this one isn't going anywhere under it's own power any longer.