Transmission control valve is the problem. If it has the original plastic shift spools, they need to be replaced. Also, before you do anything, cut open the transmission & look for metal. If that's ok, then remove the plastic transmission shift spools & replace them with metal ones.
Well, seeing as how you submitted this problem in March, it is probably solved by now. However I may as well insert a few words just in case anyone else ever has a similar problem and stumbles across this site. My 97- 426C IT had the same problem and a Cat mechanic replaced the Forward - Neutral - Reverser shifter. ( as it is really not hooked up to anything but electronic switches inside the unit and outside ) Unlike the old mechanical ones that actually shifted a lever on the transmission. No big thing to replace this unit yourself as it is a few screws and you plug the wiring harness back in. HOWEVER - there is a safety interlock switch in that harness further down that needs to be replaced if the new FNR shifter does not solve the problem. They are called neutralizer switches and they look like a small wiring harness with electrical plugs - male and female. Don't be looking for some obvious big black switch because they are not! It is either impossible, or extremely difficult to bypass these safety switches, so you can't use the old hot wire the starter trick.Well, seeing as how you submitted this problem in March, it is probably solved by now. However I may as well insert a few words just in case anyone else ever has a similar problem and stumbles across this site. My 97- 426C IT had the same problem and a Cat mechanic replaced the Forward - Neutral - Reverser shifter. ( as it is really not hooked up to anything but electronic switches inside the unit and outside ) Unlike the old mechanical ones that actually shifted a lever on the transmission. No big thing to replace this unit yourself as it is a few screws and you plug the wiring harness back in. HOWEVER - there is a safety interlock switch in that harness further down that needs to be replaced if the new FNR shifter does not solve the problem. They are called neutralizer switches and they look like a small wiring harness with electrical plugs - male and female. Don't be looking for some obvious big black switch because they are not! It is either impossible, or extremely difficult to bypass these safety switches, so you can't use the old hot wire the starter trick.
Answers & Comments
Transmission control valve is the problem. If it has the original plastic shift spools, they need to be replaced. Also, before you do anything, cut open the transmission & look for metal. If that's ok, then remove the plastic transmission shift spools & replace them with metal ones.
It sound like it could be a problem with FNR shift lever, is the harness running to the back still attached?
Well, seeing as how you submitted this problem in March, it is probably solved by now. However I may as well insert a few words just in case anyone else ever has a similar problem and stumbles across this site. My 97- 426C IT had the same problem and a Cat mechanic replaced the Forward - Neutral - Reverser shifter. ( as it is really not hooked up to anything but electronic switches inside the unit and outside ) Unlike the old mechanical ones that actually shifted a lever on the transmission. No big thing to replace this unit yourself as it is a few screws and you plug the wiring harness back in. HOWEVER - there is a safety interlock switch in that harness further down that needs to be replaced if the new FNR shifter does not solve the problem. They are called neutralizer switches and they look like a small wiring harness with electrical plugs - male and female. Don't be looking for some obvious big black switch because they are not! It is either impossible, or extremely difficult to bypass these safety switches, so you can't use the old hot wire the starter trick.
The articulated panel is in first gear and no running in foward or reverse