I am having occasional times when I am stopped and take it out of gear or trying to pu it in reverse and it won't get into gear.
Any ideas of what would cause this???
2002 XL

 

Do you have a manual or auto. trans.?

If it is a manual, it could be that you're trying to put it into reverse while the vehicle is still rolling forward. My truck (5-spd.) will never allow me to put it into reverse while it is rolling forward, even with a brand new clutch assembly at a few MPH. Then again, if you're doing all of this from a dead stop and it is slightly struggling to go into reverse, either the clutch or the tranny may be wearing out. However, keep in mind that you're driving a heavy truck, not a small sports car, so a very slight struggle getting into gear (especially when it is cold) can be expected.

If it is an auto., again, there is a chance that the tranny isn't working properly or you may just simply need to change the fluid and filter out.

My guesses are pretty much the obvious ones to start with. If you could post some more specifics about the problem such as noises like grinding or whatever, that would probably help you get more opinions on your problem. Good luck with it though.

 

I have the same trouble.Sometimes double clutching helps.What works best is to go to 2nd then to 1st gear.

 

I've had the identical problem with my 2000 XL over the last 2 months. I have had to shut the truck off, put it into gear and restart it. It has happened at least 5 times in the driveway and at least once on the road at a stop sign. I took it to the dealer and they couldn't reproduce it and decided it was a non issue... Double clutching and all that didnt help me out at all.

 

One other thought: many folks have had syncro problems with these 5-spd. tranny's. Perhaps that is what you're experiencing?

 

I do have an auto and the double clutching works also putting it in second, but when I am at a green light I usually try to slam it in.
I am really afraid of busting something.
If it is a syncho issue, what would be a quick remedy or a good one for me since my warranty just ended

 

garzad,

If you are having trouble getting into gear it is caused by one of the following;
Insufficient clutch system fluid, Damaged clutch slave cylinder or Transmission problem.

Check the fluid level. If it is low top it up and look for leaks. Pull the inspection plug on the tranny and look for a leaking slave.
If it is not leaking try bleading the system.

With the engin off press in the clutch and shift through the gears. If it shifts smoothy then look for leaks again. If not it is the tranny.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

I had this same problem on my 01, and now my 03. Both trucks are identical, and have the same problem. There were times with the 01 that I physically could not get it into first gear. I'm not a small guy, it just wasn't happening. I got Ford to replace the transmission in the 01, but to no avail, it had the same problem. My buddy got Ford to replace the whole clutch assembly and clutch hydrulics on his, and it apparently fixed the problem. My 03 isn't as bad, but it is very difficult at times. I'm still waiting for the Hurst short throw shifter to become available. I wish they'd just put a T-56 in these darn things...

Mitch