F150 Shift System Fault – What's This and How to Fix?

Modern vehicles come with wonderful transmissions that shift smoothly and do a great job of economizing some fuel for you. But not all of them are reliable - this is the drawback. Ford's 10-speed transmission that the company has been installing in a lot of car models recently, is not great in terms of reliability and it can sometimes even leave you stranded in a relatively new car.

Shift system fault message highlights

• Common reasons:faulty shifter assembly, problems with the transmission
• How to fix:check the codes, disconnect the battery to try and clean the error codes
• Possible consequences:transmission may be at risk
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$3,500

Symptoms to notice and consequences of this message

Well, if you see the "Shift System Fault" message, it will also continue telling you about some other issues. Like it may say "Confirm park brake" because the systems are connected. It may also say "Park Brake Fault" and throw other error messages. Anyway, they are all going to be connected with the initial transmission issue.

This problem has been occurring with 10-speed automatic transmissions only - it did cover other cars, not only the F150 truck.

When this happens, you are likely to experience the following things:

• the shifter doesn't react and you can't shift to N or P;
• you can turn off the vehicle though by applying the parking brake and holding the brake pedal pressed;
• starting the vehicle again may be a problem unless the issues are resolved;
• you may see all kinds of other messages and warnings accompanying the initial transmission failure;
• after some time, the issue may just disappear;
• you may or may not see some warnings and error codes if you use your scanner and check the ECU for codes;
• the wheels will be blocked, so even taking your vehicle to the tow truck may be a hard task.

You should understand that your transmission may be the initial problem. It's important to look under the vehicle and confirm that the transmission isn't damaged, it's not wet, there are no leaks, etc. Sometimes, this message may pop up because of the physical damage to your transmission and the fluid leaking heavily.

To locate the actual problem, you will need to know about the common issues that can trigger this message on the dash of your truck.

What are the common reasons for this problem?

To start with, I should say that there are several equally possible reasons that may cause this issue in Ford's 10-speed transmission. Owners immediately think that this is the shifter and try moving it from one side to another trying to fix it. But no, it's not the shifter's fault. Fortunately, Ford still makes reliable shifters although they are a little weird in their operation.

Here are the actual reasons that can trigger this problem in your truck:

1) 10-speed transmission software failure

In their first years, the 10-speed automatic transmissions were pretty faulty. I have written several articles about them and you may find them in this blog.

But Ford addressed the majority of issues and now these units are more or less reliable. They still keep releasing software updates regularly and the "Shift System Fault" may really be one of the issues that is covered by the fresh update.

You may just check with your dealer if there is a fresh update of software for your transmission. It doesn't matter if it was just two weeks ago that you took your truck from the dealership, the update may actually be there waiting for you to come and claim for it.

2) Brake pedal switch

Surprisingly often, this problem is caused by the faulty brake pedal switch. You may know that your transmission is connected to your brake pedal. For example, you won't be able to shift unless you are holding your foot on the brake pedal.

So, if the control units don't get the signal about the position of your brake pedal, they won't be working well and may even throw an error message like Shift System Fault.

Checking this is pretty easy. Ask someone to tell you if the brake lights go on when you are pressing the brake pedal. If they do go on, there is nothing to worry about in terms of the brake pedal switch.

3) 12V battery issues

Several model years of the F150 are known for the initially poorly tightened positive terminal clamp. This may seriously affect your car and cause almost any electronic failures. So, start with checking the clamps on your battery terminals.

The second problem with the battery may be its low voltage. Even if it shows normal voltage when checking it with the multimeter, it may fail to hold it when the car is in operation. Low batteries are able to throw almost any kind of electronic issues and error messages.

I strongly recommend jumping the battery or charging it before you agree to pay for any kind of repairs. This may eventually cure the problem forever.

4) Glitchy electronics or wiring issues

If nothing else helps, you may also check the wiring. Once on wire falls off and there is no connection with some of the sensors, anything can happen with your car. Modern trucks and cars are full of electronics, control modules, computers, etc. If something is wrong with the wiring or one of the modules, the entire system may malfunction heavily.

Unfortunately, checking and fixing this problem is not that easy, so you will most likely need professional help.

What can you try doing when you are stranded because of the shift issues?

I recommend calling the Ford dealership and asking them what to do. Later, I will tell you about some tricks you may use to unblock the shifter and keep driving. But if you do this, you will lose the error code and the dealership will not be able to tell you what was wrong with the truck.

The dealer may send their tow truck for free and the truck will get all the proper diagnostics and repairs needed.

If you are stranded and urgently need to drive, there are several things you may try doing:

1) Repeat the lock-door cycle

Turn off the car, apply the parking brake, get out of the vehicle, and lock the doors. Let the truck sit for a while and get into it. Turn on the engine and see if the problem is still there.

2) Disconnect the 12V battery for several minutes

This is the trick that can cure almost any error message in modern vehicles unless there is a real hardware problem. So, disconnect both terminals, press the honk (to use all the stored power), and wait for 5-10 minutes. Connect the battery and see if you can drive now.

3) Jump the battery to give it some life

Your task is to jump the battery with some other car or use the charger if possible. This way you will make sure that the battery has proper voltage and is not the reason for your problem. Sometimes, this will help you continue driving the vehicle.

Is this issue covered by a powertrain warranty?

The extended powertrain warranty for the F150 is 5 years of 60,000 miles and yes, this problem should be covered by this warranty as it's always connected with the transmission. Although some dealers may tell you this is all about the shifter, you should insist that the Shift System Fault comes from the transmission and should be repaired for free.

Also, the software updates should be free for you unless the car is out of the powertrain warranty.

What to do if nothing helps you solve the problem?

When you tried everything and are still stranded and can't drive, your only option is to call a tow truck and get your vehicle to the dealership. This is one of the rare cases when I recommend exactly the dealers but not independent shops. First of all, this problem should be covered by the extended warranty. Secondly, independent shops don't have access to official transmission software updates.

So, call the dealer and ask if your truck is eligible for free towing. Even if not, pay for the tow truck and get it to the dealer. Mechanics will take care of the problem. Believe me, they have seen hundreds of trucks with such a problem and know what to do.

Unfortunately, this is a very common issue and no Ford F150 owners is protected from it.