Ford Expedition Only Goes In Reverse – What To Do?

Cars are necessities in the ever-changing world. However, any issues can be a load of distress, especially when you can't seem to find the solution.

With Ford Expedition, one issue is it only goes in reverse. What could be the reason? Is there any way you can fix it? We have done extensive research into this and have the answer below!

The main reasons why your Ford Expedition only moves in reverse are low transmission fluid, loose shift linkage, and a disengaged solenoid.

Here are the steps to fix your Ford Expedition limited into reverse only based on the reasons stated above:

  1. Low transmission fluid - drain the fluid and replace the filter; fill the transmission with new fluid without overfilling it.
  2. Loose shift linkage - find the faulty connection under the dash, and replace it.
  3. Disengaged solenoid - replace the disengaging solenoid or the entire pack.

Looking into every nook of your transmission or connections gives you a hint of what could be wrong. Finding out the cause of the problem brings you to the right solution. Learn more details to search for the faulty parts in your car and replace them.

photo of a brand new new model 2022 ford expedition on a car park on the mall, Ford Expedition Only Goes In Reverse - What To Do?

Ford Expedition Only Moves In Reverse [How To Fix?]

It can be frustrating to find out your Ford Expedition is in such bad condition.

Although the major or bigger parts of your car are working fine, some small or connecting elements are at fault, just like the case of the linkage and solenoid.

Filling The Transmission Fluid

It's essential to check the level of your transmission fluid. You don't want to burn it up, especially on a long drive. The problem can be low transmission fluid.

Follow the steps below to ">replace the filter and fill the transmission:

  1. Wear your eye and hand gears.
  2. Have your car in the air.
  3. Carefully remove the transmission pan as the fluid leaks.
  4. Change the filter.
  5. Remove the old rubber gasket on the pan.
  6. Spray out the grease from the pan using a convenient oil remover sprayer.
  7. Wipe to clean.
  8. Install the new pan gasket. Putting an adhesive is optional.
  9. Before putting back the clean pan, clean the coupling surface with a sponge.
  10. Pour the new fluid. Make sure to measure the old fluid with a bottle with indicated measurement to determine how much fluid to pour. Or, check your manual if possible.

View this brake parts cleaner on Amazon.

Replacing Shift Linkage

If you have a broken or loose shift linkage, there's no way the transmission will go into gear. In some cases, your link can be overly stretched. Here's how to easily replace the cable linkage:

  1. Wear your eye and hand gears.
  2. Remove some parts of the cabin to access the cable linkage.
  3. You may push down the steering wheel to gain more access to the cable linkage.
  4. Detach the shift cable from the gear shift and the engine control arm.
  5. Remove the ">plastic cover surrounding the steering wheel.
  6. Unscrew the shift lever where the cable linkage is attached.
  7. Loosen the cable and detach it from its frame.
  8. Remove the old line and replace it with a new one.
  9. Put the shift linkage with the new cable back in place into the steering wheel cabin.
  10. Travel down the wire into the floor hole to connect to the transmission underneath the car.
  11. Remove the clip that attaches to the transmission. You can use a flathead screwdriver for popping off the old clip.
  12. You may also need to replace the bushings underneath your car.
  13. Push in the new clip. Add a bit of grease for a quick installation.

Click here to view this shift cable repair kit on Amazon.

Fixing A Broken Solenoid

There are signs to know if you have a bad solenoid. Some of these are hard shifting, loud engine, neutral transmission, and obstructive shifting.

You can also see a fixed open or closed, or loose valve. Discover the ">steps to replace a bad solenoid in your Ford Expedition:

  1. Wear your eye and hand gears.
  2. Drain the transmission fluid by removing the socket.
  3. Unbolt the transmission pan.
  4. Find the loose or broken solenoid valve.
  5. Press and take off the electrical connector to the solenoid valve.
  6. Unbolt and pull out the broken solenoid valve.
  7. Push in the new solenoid valve with the bolt and electrical connector.
  8. Ensure the electrical wires are not damaged, bent, or touching metal.
  9. Do a final checkup with the clips and bolts tightly fixed.
  10. Clean out the oil of the transmission pan.
  11. Replace the rubber or silicone gasket on it.
  12. Clean the coupling surface with a sponge.
  13. Bolt the clean transmission pan back.
  14. Refill the transmission with new fluid.

See this transmission shift solenoid kit on Amazon.

Signs Of A Transmission Failure

The following car symptoms may indicate that your transmission is failing. Familiarizing these symptoms may help you pinpoint the root of the issue.

And, it is to know when you immediately need to call a transmission expert.

  1.  The transmission gets stuck in gear.
  2. The shifts are at a slow rate, or there are missing gears.
  3. The transmission is gliding, or the engine is advancing high.
  4. There's a leak in the transmission.
  5. There's a burning smell.
  6. The transmission creates a buzzing, thumping, or humming noise.
  7. The car has little or no power.
  8. The engine or overdrive light is turned on.

Why Is My Car Not Moving When I Press The Gas?

There are top causes that you're car doesn't accelerate. It can happen to lots of vehicles with high mileage. That's why it's necessary to fast-check your car before traveling for long hours.

Discover the usual causes of a car that won't move on gas below:

  • Blocked or crashed mass air flow sensor
  • Broken oxygen sensor
  • Crashed throttle position sensor(TPS)
  • Unclean fuel filter
  • Unclean air filter
  • Disengaged or loose timing belt

How Do I Check If My Fuel Filter Is Clogged?

Poor engine performance, difficulty starting, and stalling can be some of the signs that your fuel filter is clogged.

Dirty or rusty parts of your car can distribute to the clogging of your fuel filter, including a dirty air filter. There's no way to fix a clogged fuel filter - only replace it.

How Can I Improve My Car's Acceleration?

Find out how to make your car move faster. You want your vehicle to run steadily and fast on expressways and highways. Here are some ways:

  1. Add more power with a performance exhaust system.
  2. Gearing up with expensive gear ratios or cheaper options can have a similar effect.
  3. Change to sticky tires.
  4. Get a performing clutch to avoid slipping.
  5. Be mindful when adding or replacing your car parts to distribute the weight in your car without affecting the speed.
  6. Improve your suspension to have an advance and precise launch.

How Can I Make My Engine Run Smoother?

Car maintenance is a must if you want your car to run smoothly. You must keep your engine, transmission, battery, emission system, and brake system tucked and in condition.

Here are some ways to make your engine run smoother:

  • Oil change
  • Oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter change
  • PCV valve in good operation
  • Spark plugs and their wires are in good condition

Discover more about maintaining a car engine in these posts: Transmission Hot Idle Engine: What Does It Mean?Ford Transit Engine Fault Service Now – What To Do?

What Are The Signs That Your Fuel Pump Is Going Out?

You can detect a bad fuel pump by looking at some symptoms in your car. The average labor cost in replacing your fuel pump is $120. A new fuel pump price is from $100 to $1200 or more.

Take a look at the signs of a faulty fuel pump:

  1. The car is difficult to start or never starts.
  2. You experience sudden car stops.
  3. You have recurring rough rides and low speed.
  4. You experience misfires again and again.
  5. There's a delay when you accelerate.
  6. The car speed changes while steady driving.

To Finish

photo of a brand new new model 2022 ford expedition on a car park on the mall

A Ford Expedition stuck in reverse is a hassle, especially since what's causing the issue is internal. Keep your transmission fluid level, check your shift linkage, and if there's a chance of a broken solenoid.

You can find the focus of the fault and replace it; otherwise, replace the whole linkage system or solenoid pack.

Find out more repairs for your transmission in these posts:

Ford Focus Says Transmission Fault Service Now? Here's What To Do

Will Disconnecting A Car's Battery Reset Transmission?

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