Ford F-150 Won’t Move In Any Gear – 7 Reasons and Solutions

You’re not alone if your Ford F-150 pickup won’t move in any gear. Even though this is a worrying and bothersome problem, several possible explanations exist.

Once you’ve identified the cause of this problem, specifically with your Ford F-150, you may take the appropriate action to fix it.

In this article, find out what can cause your problems with the Ford F-150 not being able to move in any gear and what you can do to fix it.

Why Won’t My Truck Move When I Put It In Gear?

There are a lot of things that could cause a situation in which you cannot move your car when in any gear!

Keep reading to find out the potential causes and solutions to the problem. 

1. Cause & Solution: Leaky Transmission

The gearbox in your vehicle is prone to leaks, just like other solvents.

In actuality, especially with automatic transmissions, it is one of the most frequently given explanations for why a vehicle won’t drive in any gear. The car will keep moving while in drive if the fluid level drops below a particular point. After that, however, you can’t go back.

There is a significant chance that transmission leaks if these occurrences are frequent.

To fix the transmission leak, you first must be aware of the symptoms of the transmission leak. 

Some of them include the following: 

1. Low transmission fluid levels are shown via a dipstick test. If the test results are brownish, the liquid must be replaced.
2. Indicators of engine issues include dashboard warning lights. Modern cars come with gearbox lights that illuminate in the event of a problem.
3. When you park, a puddle develops underneath the truck. Transmission fluid frequently creates marks on the garage floor or driveway and more. 

An average transmission fluid leak repair will cost between $150 and $200. 

This assessment includes little fixes like fixing the gasket, replacing the fluid lines, and replacing drain plugs, seals, and pan nuts.

2. Cause & Solution: Worn-Out Clutches

The vehicle’s gearbox may malfunction if the clutch isn’t working correctly. 

The clutch is made up of friction and steel plates. Unfortunately, with time, these plates degrade. 

As a result, the planetary gears, which determine which equipment your vehicle will stay in, cannot get enough pressure.

In this situation, you must immediately replace the clutch plates. 

A new clutch typically costs between $1,200 and $1,400. Labor might run between $500 and $650, while parts could cost between $700 and $750. The typical clutch kit, which costs about $800, may be less expensive depending on where you live.

3. Cause & Solution: Clogged Filter

You could be dealing with a blocked filter issue when the engine is hot, and your vehicle doesn’t move. 

This ailment typically comes with a whining sound. 

On rare occasions, the engine will let you move for a short distance before becoming immobile. 

Typically, this is a sign that the transmission is degrading.

Take your Ford truck to the mechanic if you experience this problem. 

4. Cause & Solution: A Defective Torque Converter

The torque converter is an essential part of the drivetrain system that distributes power from the transmission to the engine and wheels. 

Any issues with the converter might lead to severe difficulties, like the truck not moving in any gear, transmission noises while the automobile is beginning, and stuttering when changing gears.

Your car’s transmission may sustain harm if the torque converter is damaged or not working correctly, and not fixed on time. 

The following are some symptoms of a cracked torque converter:

1. A slippage in the transmission,
2. in any gear, the vehicle won’t start,
3. noises like a trembling, clunking, buzzing, or humming,
4. the transmission is too hot,
5. contaminated transmission fluid, or
6. elevated stall speeds.

You could expect to pay between $100 and $600 for a torque converter. A professional repair job can cost between $500 and $1,000 if you cannot execute the replacement by yourself, mainly because it would require lowering the gearbox.

5. Cause & Solution: Insufficient Transmission Fluid

When there is insufficient transmission fluid, the necessary power cannot be given, which limits the vehicle’s ability to drive usually. 

As a result, whether it has an automated gearbox or a manual one, the truck will not move.

The best thing to do here is to consult with a mechanic.

6. Cause & Solution: Automatic Transmission Valve Body Issues

Your truck won’t shift into gear for another reason: a broken automatic gearbox valve body. 

The labyrinthine control center, the mechanical powertrain valve body, transports the transmission fluid necessary for gear changes through solenoids, tunnels, and valves. 

Power transfer from the gear system to various vehicle components will be hampered if the transmission fluid distribution medium malfunctions.

Same as before, consult with a mechanic. 

7. Cause & Solution: Overdrive Or Engine Check Light On

Not just the engine can have a check engine light. 

It may also be a sign of transmission problems, including solenoids, overheating, sliding transmission, speed sensors, and many more. 

Read the trouble codes to find out which circuits and sensors are reporting a problem. 

While not all sensor-related codes will point to a problem that needs to be fixed, they will provide the inquiry with a place to start.

That’s it! Hopefully, your problem is not huge and you’ll be able to fix it in no time.