I have a 2003 5 speed f150 4.2 v6 4x4. When I start the truck there is no problems shifting gears at all. After a few miles if coming to a stop, the truck doesn't want to go into first gear or any gear for that matter. If I let it sit for a few minutes, it will start shifting again but it is tough to get into any gear. I have drained the transmission and did not find any evidence of trash or large pieces of metal but it just seems like there is something that gets stuck in the linkage preventing it from shifting properly or when it heats up it needs to cool back down before it will start shifting again.

Any feedback or suggestions will help.

Thanks

 

It's more likely an issue with the clutch or associated components, such as a failing master cylinder, slave cylinder, or sticky pilot bearing.

When it doesn't want to go in gear, shut the engine off and try shifting it. What happens?

 

The slave cylinder seems fine. I have a full pedal and not leaking any fluid.

When I turn the truck off, I have to let it sit for a few minutes before it will go into any gears, even reverse. It seems like it has to cool down a bit if that makes any sense.

 

The lever binds even with the engine off? That would be an internal transmission issue.

 

yes but only for a few minutes. I can go out there now since the truck hasn't been driven and It will shift fine with the engin off. Its only when i drive it down the road for about 10 miles or so and then it begins to be hard to shift. I can turn the truck off and let it sit for a few minutes and it will shift fine but will act up again when i drive a few more miles

 

Sounds like it needs new synchros. Get it to a transmission shop to get fixed.

Nice truck you got there... 4x4 with the 5 speed. I'd get it fixed.

 

yes sir. Thank you ...ive had it since 2003 best part is that it's paid for! I want to thank you for all of your help. I really do appreciate your input!

 

No problem... mind if I ask how many miles on it?

 

124k... bought it with 23k on it....

 

Cool. Yeah, I would definitely get it fixed.

 

thanks....i will but I haven't gotten an estimate for that.... Could you give me an approximate number?

 

Wish I could. More than likely less than $1000.

 

great! Thanks again for all your help!

 

It's not synchros if it won't shift with the engine OFF.

If you want to go the junkyard route, you need a 1999 through 2003 transmission out of a 4x4 F150 with the 4.2. Nothing else is interchangeable. I see prices going from $75 to $1450. Check them out at car-part.com.

I would at least get an opinion from a Ford dealer or a shop that does manual transmissions before you commit to a rebuild or replacement. It may very well be something external to the transmission itself.

 

thanks. I'm gonna take it to my transmission shop first to see what he thinks.