Three problems related to transmission not engage have been reported for the 2001 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2001 F-150.
Vehicle is 2001 f150 supercrew 4x4 purchased new in 2001. Vehicle has 81,500 miles and has never been used for towing or hauling heavy loads. Automatic transmission will not engage right away in forward gears. There is a delay of several seconds before engagement. Works alright in reverse and once vehicle starts moving. Seems to be similar to problem noted in TSB 01-11-7. Brought to stateline Ford in phillipsburg, NJ to investigate. Was told that there was internal problem with transmission and that replacement is recommended. Asked if this was normal for this transmission to fail at 81,000 miles and I was told it was not. Called Ford customer relations center to explain problem and see if Ford would participate in part of cost for replacement. Was told they would not. Called dealer to see if this could be discussed with field rep and was told they couldn't.
While driving transmission disengaged and exploded internally. This caused damage to the third/fourth, and reverse gears. Vehicle decelerated, it would not go over 40 mph. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who said there was nothing they could do.
Transmission would not shift from a dead start. I would attempt to cross an intersection and the transmission would not engage. When it did it was with a violent jerk of the vehicle. The force of the jerk was similar to being in a rollercoaster. Took vehicle to local Ford dealership and the only explanation I was given was that the transmission was running hot and Ford now required an in-line cooler filter be installed on the transmission at my cost since the inline cooler filter was not original.