So I have a 1997 Ford F150, 4.2L, 5 speed manual transmission and I now have quite the issue. I go to start the car, no issue, turns right on. However, I cannot shift into 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, or reverse. So it will let me shift into 4th. When I get going, then I can shift into the other gears, although it is a little tough at time. To downshift rpm's have to be just right. Even after I have been going though, if I am in neutral and the car stops, I can't shift into a gear. So I have to be ready to downshift as I am approaching a stop sign. I can start the car with it in first gear, no problem. If I ever need to go into reverse I need to stop the car and start it again with it in reverse. Any ideas? A good shop I should go to?

Also, I am 99% sure it has nothing to do with it, but I was recently hit (like a month ago) and still need to get the body work done. I am in cary and was gonna go to Cary Auto Body Specialists, yes/no??? Should I get the transmission work done before or after the body work? You can still drive the car with the body as is, although left turns the tire will rub on some rubber (If it was metal I would hammer it out).

Thanks,
John

2/7/2008 6:04:01 PM

sounds like the clutch master cylinder or slave cylinder. not really an exspensive or hard repair. try pumping the clutch pedal a couple of times before you shift. if that helps, it's most likely the master. those trucks might have an integrated/non serviceable type clutch system though which comes as a complete assembly of the master, line, and slave. can't remember for sure.

i've never anything about cary auto body one way or the other. i just had some work done recently by garner collision and was very happy.

2/7/2008 6:46:07 PM

I love google. Sure enough air in the lines to the slave cylinder. To solve it, pump the clutch about 20 times, shifts fine now. Apparently it just sat a little too long. Works great though. Now I just have to get the auto body work done.

2/7/2008 7:27:08 PM

i love how people can't feel a difference when this is the problem... it's been pretty obvious in every car i've driven and had this happen

2/7/2008 9:04:31 PM