Gear selector won't work, transmission stuck in drive

coheed · August 8, 2009

Tried searching, and couldn't find much info on this type of problem...

I just got my Ex back on the road from replacing the fuel pump. I took it for a couple of test drives, and after I'm satisfied that all is well, I return home, pull into my drive, go to put it into "P" (park) and the gear selector just flies right into park... Normally I feel the bumps/notches along the way through reverse and neutral, but now the gear selector just feels "loose". Needless to say, it's not working... my Ex is stuck in drive, and I had to just turn the engine off while it's in gear so that I could remove my foot from the brake.

I've tried fiddling with it, and I cannot get it into Park. The gear selector does move around and I can tell when it's "supposed" to be in gear, but the weight behind actually shifting the transmission is gone, if that makes sense.

Does anybody have any suggestions on where to start!? It's blocking the driveway!

Munchie · August 9, 2009

Gear selector is busted. I'm doing some work on the truck this afternoon, tie rods, ball joints, temp sender (go figure) the usual =). I'll take a peak at the selector and if you haven't figured it out by then I'll let you know what I suggest. Good luck till then.

coheed · August 9, 2009

Is it a pain to replace? It moves through the different gear-slots fine, just really sloppy (almost as if the cable to the tranny is busted, I just have no idea how to check it or where it goes).

coheed · August 10, 2009

I've clarified that the lever at the transmission is not moving at all when I move the gear selector.

This has to be a problem with the cable somehow between the steering column and transmission . Does anyone know how to access it, or has anyone experienced a similar problem?

Maniak · August 10, 2009

First thing I would do is disconnect the shift linkage from the side of the trans and then manually move the shift lever to get it into park. Now you can worry less about it rolling over you as you work on it..

Next thing is to see if the problem is before or after the firewall connection. You will need a helper for this..

As you move the shift lever on the column you should see an arm move right at the steering shaft at the firewall. If you don't see movement the problem is at the column. If you do then its the part between the firewall/trans which I'm pretty sure is just a cable. I've never looked at that part that close.

~Mark

coheed · August 10, 2009

Alright, I'm gonna check it out and report back! Thanks soooo much!

coheed · August 10, 2009

Maniak, thanks for the tip... And hopefully this will help people in the future.

The black plastic connection just outside the firewall that hooks the two parts of the gear selector/shifter was broken. It had been broken, and apparently the owner before me used nylon ties to secure it back together, and it lasted me the year I've had this thing!

So, off to get the replacement line, but at least I know what the issue is!

NOPSTNS · August 24, 2009

Can you see this from above or would I have to get under the truck? I'm having the same issue now.

Maniak · August 24, 2009

The part at the firewall can be seen from above or through the wheel well once you take off the inner fender well.

Once you know that part is fine, the other part is on the side of the transmission, you have to craw underneath to see it.

~Mark

coheed · August 26, 2009

NOPSTNS said:
Can you see this from above or would I have to get under the truck? I'm having the same issue now.

Look directly below (about a foot or so) the brake master cylinder. Pretty simple connection, and relatively easy to get to. Have someone shift the selector while you watch it and you can't miss it!

terabyte-hosting · June 23, 2010

i am looking for a graphical of how to do this. I looked in a chilton manual earlier today, and couldnt even find the flipping gear selector cable.

i have called three parts stores, and this cable is not even carried, so the search is on, to even find one to replace. are there any special tools needed to replace this cable, and does anybody know where to get one?

Thanks,
JMM

Maniak · June 23, 2010

If your 1995 is the same as a 1st gen the cable is on the outside of the vehicle.
In the engine compartment is a lever that moves when the gear shifter is moved. That lever pushes/pulls a cable that runs down to the side of the transmission which in turn pushes on a lever outside the transmission that rotates a lever inside the transmission.

~Mark

terabyte-hosting · June 23, 2010

@Mark,
thanks for the response. yes i was able to see the gear selector moving on the column, and watched the cable slide in and out of what appeared to be in its sheath.

i am unable to find anything that will assist me in understanding how to go about replacing this. i didnt stare at it initially, because it wasnt until a few days later, that i actually decided that i wanted to even mess with the thing. for the price, and the fact the truck has been well taken care of, its a great deal.

so if you have or know where i can find, a graphical depiction of the gear selector cable on both ends, one at the firewall, and the other on how it connects and disconnects from the transmission, that would be excellent.

also, any heads up on where to purchase this elusive little critter?

many thanks,
JMM

Maniak · June 23, 2010

Do you see the cable move at the transmission end too? If not, then your on the right track and need a new cable.

IF it does move then its not the cable and the problem is in the transmission. At that point, if you had an a4ld I'd say drop the pan and make sure the rooster comb is still connected. Bascially you make sure the rod that goes through the side of the transmission is connected to something on the inside. BUT, you have a 1995 which is a different transmission. Its close, but not an a4ld so I don't know if there is even a rooster comb in there.

If you need a cable check the vendor section here. There are a couple used parts guys and a couple new parts guys. I've bought from both Fastpartsnetwork and from tousley(sp?) ford (both new part vendors). Tousley is in MN so shipping seems cheaper from them to me (I'm in Az).

Also, check the under the hood and the transmission section for the rebuild threads. I just don't know if there is one on your trans (this is the 1st gen forum here, and your an early 2nd gen)

~Mark

terabyte-hosting · June 23, 2010

mark,
thanks man, sorry for being in the wrong place. i will move along and see if i can find where i belong.

yes its not moving at the transmission at all. the cable is sliding in the sheath, but i will get down on the underneath and see if its moving at the selector on the trans.

well thanks for your help, and im a dummie, i dont know first generation from last generations. so please excuse me.

Regards,
JMM

ellobo · July 29, 2010

Just a quick question but first let me say thank you to all that contribute here I have learned so much and saved so much money using information here.

I have the same problem whatever component keeps the ball joint @ the bottom on the gear selector just out side of the firewall and the gear shifter rod/cable has failed. If I push two back together the sear shifter works fine but after a few bumps they separate again. Is there supposed to be a clip to keep them together is it a nylon bushing or is there a screw that keeps them connected. Additionally what is this part called? I think zip ties would work but I would prefer to resolve the issue properly and not jury rig it.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Justin

FYI have a spare rear door that is about to be scrapped door is damaged(dent) but components are good(motors, electric locks, microswitches, door latches).

SwaintaN · January 10, 2013

same problem ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ i found this one after I started mine.. SORRY... didnt mean to start a new thread.. but exact same problem as guy above.. push it on, pops off after shifting.. LOVE OHIO SALT... yay!

Gear selector won't work, transmission stuck in drive

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