2001 F150 4x4 auto won't go into gear

[kjmenchio]

Never had any problems with my F150, and suddenly, it won't go into any gear. I can't even put it in N with the engine off. It feels like the shifter is locked it the Park position. Could this be an electronic gate? Any ideas?

[Pete33Vt]

It could be your electrionc modual on the side of transmission. Also could be a problem in your key switch. You should be able to move into N with key on engine off. Is steering wheel locked up with key on engine off. If so your problem lies in the switch and not transmission. Unplug the wiring harness at transmission also and clean out and check for power, With key on. if no juice trace wires and look for bear spots. Hope this helps.

[unclebubbles]

On the left hand side of the steering column, right behind the dash module, and mounted to the steering column, is a solenoid that blocks the shifter from moving untill you mash the brake. Im not 100% positive on the 2001, but it should be a small 3 wire connector going to it. Look under the dash and move the lever, and you should see it. Disconnect the harness, and it should go into gear, its normally off , energizes when you turn the key on, and deenergizes when you mash the brake. You can replace it if thats the trouble, take it off, or just leave it disconnected.

[Merihi1]

My 98 F150 4X4 had thesame problem, I found out that its a safety feature to let you know that you have a break light out, In my case it was one of the wires under the break pedal, it had broken, I re-attached it and the problem was fixed.