Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

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gabrielmurphylo
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am

Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

Post by gabrielmurphylo »

I own a 1995 Ford F-150 shortbed with a 5.8L engine and four wheel drive.
Changing gears from forward to reverse causes the engine to stall, and vice versa.
After it stalls, it will start up immediately.
There are no codes to check because this is pre-OBD 11.
Any suggestions as to what could be causing the stalling would be greatly appreciated.
On top of that, the engine starts up and runs smoothly.
Mileage is 150,000.
priyakk
Posts: 12
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am

Re: Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

Post by priyakk »

Your F-150 stalls when you shift from forward to reverse, which is a tricky issue. Is it more like a rapid, abrupt cutoff, or does the engine sputter and die? If you could elaborate on what happens immediately before it stalls, maybe the people here could figure out what's causing it.
leandro_hernandezj
Posts: 29
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am

Re: Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

Post by leandro_hernandezj »

It cuts off immediately. The engine can be restarted immediately.
ruby.petrovlm
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am

Re: Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

Post by ruby.petrovlm »

Does the shifter have an ignition interlock? Do you need to put your foot on the brake in order to start or shift into D or R? To check if the tail lights are functioning properly, I would do something—which sounds ridiculous—like have someone slam on the brakes. From what I can tell, that interlock is responsible for supplying power to the ignition as well, so when you shift it, it will turn off initially but then turn back on again. Maybe the gearshifter switches are loose or something is wrong with them.
gabrielmurphylo
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am

Re: Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

Post by gabrielmurphylo »

Let me look into this. I can start without pressing the brake pedal, but I must do so in order to release the vehicle from park. I usually step on the brakes when shifting, but you can shift from forward to reverse without touching the brake pedal.
Occasionally, when I shift, I don't experience this stalling problem.
ruby.petrovlm
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am

Re: Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

Post by ruby.petrovlm »

The lock-up light came on in my 1991 F250 whenever I shifted into reverse. Despite passing the ohm meter test, it was a defective t.p.s. that was the source of the problem.
gabrielmurphylo
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2026 7:44 am

Re: Problem with shifting from forward to reverse: engine stalls.

Post by gabrielmurphylo »

My 5.8L's T.PS. is located, as far as I can tell, beneath the throttle body.
Sorry, but other things have come up and this project has to take a back seat.
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