Four problems related to automatic transmission column shift have been reported for the 2001 Ford F-350. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
2001 F-350 super duty crew cab, the screws that hold the transmission shifter cable plate to the steering column shift tube, backed out of their holes. As the company mechanic I experienced the same problem previously on a different truck. I repaired the problem the same way, lowering the steering column, installing longer bolts with thread lock compound on the threads, added a nyloc nut on the end of the bolt.
2001 F-350 super crew, the screws that connect the column shifter tube to the plate that the shifter cable connects to, backed out of their holes. This action caused an improper reading, and selection of transmission gear. The vehicle was put into park, and did not make it past reverse. The truck was equipped with an aftermarket back up alarm, which alerted the driver, and avoided a dangerous situation. The vehicle was brought to me (the company mechanic) for repair. I dropped the steering column, threaded longer bolts in the factory holes with loctite, tightened bolts then added a nyloc nut on the back side.
Vehicle would intermittently jump out of four wheel drive into two wheel drive. Dealer was notified and the problem has been reoccurring. . Consumer stated the dash says the vehicle is in 4 wheel drive, however when consumer tries to move the vehicle the rear tires will spin.
The vehicle will not shift in any gears higher than second. Took vehicle to dealer, and the dealer replaced the transmission.