2001 Ford Escape XLT (4WD, V6) Automatic Transmission. It seems that when I shift to Drive the transmission does not want to go into first gear. If I manually shift down to first gear it works OK. I can drive by starting in first gear, shifting up to 2nd gear manually, and then shifting to Drive. The O/D Light blinks on and off on the dash yet when I push the O/D button on the end of the shifter it does nothing. Does anyone know what would cause this? Why would it go into first gear manually, but not automatically when in Drive? I would appreciate any advice.

can I buy the makers name?????? is this HARD?
transmission swap topics?
a FORD ? this?? no VIN posted.
Ford. Explorer Sport Trac ... 4.0L V6 Gas (210hp), Automatic, 4X4.
tell what is wrong first, 4wd is complex.
interchange is wrong word
you're not moving parts 2 direcions, same time,.

just one way so say what
my wild guess is this is and A/T box. all mine are M/T
see?
and A/T boxes must fit and not make the TCM go mad.
A/t box must be setup for 4wd,
the a/t box must have the right gear ratios or the TCM will go nutz

A/T bad, what a/t is it , would be the first question
answer 5R55E
THE E MEANS TCM ELECTRONICALLY SHIFTED
And means must be the correct gear ratios and fit correcly
to learn what fits ask any transmission builder seller on the web.
vast exist.
and will tell you the exact sub mode is a match

wiki words of advice

introduced in the 1998 model year, other variants of the 5R55 transmission appeared. All variants are fundamentally similar to each other in design but differ in things such as specialized controls, gear ratios, or other elements based on the needs of the specific application the transmission is intended for."

including 4wd tail end, bell sizes , mounts. too.
the book on the transmission (only) is clear on this.
ATSG 5R55e , book

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2553941.m570.l1313&_nkw=ASTG+5R55e&_sacat=0


random pick

https://shiftritetransmissions.com/shop/5r55e-2001-2011-4x4-transmission-4-0l/

ask them what fit right and shifts correctly ?
or others.

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change filter could help for a minute but clutches are fried in drive

I usually don't work on the transmissions, but when a Torque converter stays in the lock-up mode I understand that you get rough shifts. The lock-up mode is often advertised as a "gear" but when a Torque converter goes into that mode, there is no slippage and it is considered directly connected to the pumps inside the trans.

This would result in over pressurization of the trans fluid. You might be able to have an external pressure check done in a trans shop. Sometimes the Torque converter has an electric lock-up and they can diagnose this.

seems like your shift cable is disconnected , you might have hit it when you were working on the alternator just go back and re-trace your steps

transmission shifting solenoid(s)... could be a broken wire or bad solenoids.
best regards
Ck

I am uncertain what escape you drive but if this is the 4 cylinder version, then you will require a new transmission or have your transmission serviced. You asked why? Because Ford did not put a transmission cooler on the 4 cylinder, but only on the 6 cylinder version with the tow package, which prevents your transmission from overheating. Furthermore, you have to change your transmission fluid at greater intervals to prevent harm to your transmission.

Moreover, is this a manual transmission or automatic?. If this is a automatic, you maybe able to manipulate the shift linkage cable on the transmission and get it out of reverse.

you ha burn clutch overdrive clutch you need to replace your transmission

it sound like you have a vacum leak or your shifter cable may need adjusted

could be linkage connectors I have put two links which may help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9lEWdRtaS4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFG_K-keD3o