2003 Explorer OWNED FOR TWO MONTHS Does it have the 5R55W trans. YES FIVE SPEED AUTOMATIC > FOR THE SECOND TIME IT WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE and this was the ONLY time? NO > I MADE SURE THAT I WAS PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY AND PULL THE LEVER BACKWARDS, There is no problem selecting any of the ranges ( P R N D etc), that is, the shifter lever moves perfectly, it is not jamming up, then the cable and linkage are not an issue. all the D ranges work fine, right? YES it shifts through the gears, and you have no trouble moving the shifter into reverse range, correct? NO PROBLEM the problem is, when you move the shifter to reverse, it just doesn't hook up, right? YES AS LONG AS I CAN PUSH IT OUT TO GET IT INTO DRIVE, AFTER 2-3 BLOCKS IF I STOP AND TRY REVERSE IT WORKS JUST FINE. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THERE IS A WARRANTY ON THE TRANS, IT'S A RE-MANUFACTURED ONE. WHEN THEY SEARCH FOR CODES IT DOESN'T HAVE ANY. THEY ARE STUMPED. PLEASE HELP!!!! - THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

SOURCE: 2005 Dodge RAm 2500....shifter linkage broke

there is a recall for that problem dealer fixes for free

SOURCE: Engine will not turn over or start when in park with key on.

You linkage is working properly it sounds like, especially if the indicator for "D, R, N", etc are lining up. However the linkage or the neutral safety switch may need to be adjusted. More than likely, it's your neutral safety switch.

The brake pedal release has nothing to do with the neutral safety switch when switching gears.

The brake pedal release is just a safety to prevent you from pushing the gear shifter accidentally. Actually, you should be able to start the truck without holding the brakes.

If the neutral safety switch is bad or misaligned, it'll do exactly what you're describing. If pulling it down in neutral starts the truck, then that's a sure indicator.

SOURCE: Transmision Shifting Problem

Was the fluid you drained red or black? did it smell like trans or gear oil? With linkage disconnected, could you put trans in park by moving the lever on the side of the unit? Oil condition is likely a separate issue...most "blown" transmissions generally have normal operation of shift, it just dosen't do what you tell it to. two things likely going on are: linkage problem and likely in need of fluid/filter change.

SOURCE: how to add fluid to a 5R55W ford transmission?

IT HOLD APPROX. 13 QTS.USE MERCON V ONLY.U ADD IT THROUGH THE DRAIN HOLE.ADD FLUID UNTIL IT COMES.INSTALL PLUG & START.REPEAT UNTILL FULL.MAKE SURE TO SHIFT THROUH THE GEARS WHEN RUNNING

SOURCE: Shift lever is loose and will not go into gear

If it is an Automatic, there is only one cable that goes to the transmission. If it is a manual, there should be two. You will have to disconnect the cable from under the hood, and see if the levers are loose there. If they are, it might be as simple as tightening them back down. If not, the trans may need a rebuild.