My gear shift lever broke off in my hand!

bigbird71 · 03-04-2010, 08:08 PM

I have a 04 XLS with the column mounted transmission selector lever. The vehicle has 51K miles and today the shift lever broke completely from the column and left me stranded. I've been driving since 1966 and never had a shift lever break in my hand. Is this a common problem with Explorers and is there a quick fix other than tearing the steering column apart?

*Glen4X4* · 03-04-2010, 08:15 PM

Welcome To The Forum! I believe I have heard it around the forum before...As for a quick fix where did it break? depending where it broke maybe you can use a small metal strip and tap a screw on both ends to hold it together.

**BrooklynBay** · 03-04-2010, 08:27 PM

Welcome to this forum! I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the stock 2002-2005 section. Your profile says 94, but the post says 04.

*sport97* · 03-04-2010, 08:44 PM

My friend has that happen to his 93 f150. He just went to a junkyard to get the part. He was unable to shift with the broken lever, he had to climb under with a pair of vise grips to shift it. Did yours break high enough up to still be able to shift?

bigbird71 · 03-04-2010, 09:04 PM

Thanks for your suggestions. My post will have to be updated, I have a 2004 not a 1994. I saw a fix by Sweden Bob where he fabricated the part that broke. I;m hoping to hear a reply from him as to whether he has made replacement parts for sale; otherwise it looks like i will have to replace the entire column. I had the car towed to a body shop that I trust, hopefully they can find a good used part; otherwise according to the forum I'm looking at a $1200 repair

EasyRhino · 03-05-2010, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbird71

Thanks for your suggestions. My post will have to be updated, I have a 2004 not a 1994. I saw a fix by Sweden Bob where he fabricated the part that broke. I;m hoping to hear a reply from him as to whether he has made replacement parts for sale; otherwise it looks like i will have to replace the entire column. I had the car towed to a body shop that I trust, hopefully they can find a good used part; otherwise according to the forum I'm looking at a $1200 repair

Send SwedenBob a PM AND post a thread calling him out. He does not come on daily, but recently reported that he had a stock of the parts you seem to be needing. Good guy, I'm confident that he will help you out if he can.

TimAdler · 03-05-2010, 02:51 AM

I had that happen to mine, I had to put a whole new steering column in. I found a great used one for $150 at a salvage yard.

lespaul8 · 07-24-2010, 10:15 AM

Can anyone explain to a "non" mechanic how to either fix this shift lever or how to replace the whole column?? apparently this is very well known problem among 2002 Ford Explorer owners!!!

bigbird71 · 07-24-2010, 11:38 AM

I do not think this is a job to be taken on by a non mechanic. I wound up getting a local body shop locate a used column from a recycle yard and had it installed by them. It cost $600.00

newtek007 · 07-25-2010, 04:36 PM

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...broken+shifter

This is the thread that I started back when it happened to me. The piece is pot metal. Don't even bother trying fixing it. Read the post. Get the part from the guy that made a bunch up. It will be the last one you get. His is much better quality.

bigbird71 · 07-26-2010, 08:56 AM

I did buy the part from Sweden and now it it as a spare in case my rerplacement column breaks. It is really a well made part, much better than the pot metal used by Ford. Even with the part, I would not want to tackle the job myself, I don't know enough about steering systems to mess with.

trinitymarie · 08-01-2010, 07:44 AM

Today as I was getting ready to leave w/ my children in the car, I went to put it in reverse and it completely broke off. It didn't go in reverse but broke off completely. I went online to research because this is the oddest thing that has ever happened, and come to discover this is not an isolated incident. I would not of been that strong to break the metal. I tore the rubber from around it to look at the damage done. I am looking for a replacement, I do not have the money to buy a whole steering column new or used. I was hoping if this piece is still available. Please contact if so

Explorer Pete · 08-01-2010, 01:55 PM

A quick fix that i had to come up with was: take off the top cover of the steering colum, drop the colum down with the adjuster, take a small pair of vice grips, clamp it around the shifter indicator cable atachment. This will alow you to shift gears, (from rev to drive),no park. Just set the parking break, turn it off. Your key will not remove until you tie down the switch that is at the bottom of the shifter slot. Your shift lever will make it close when you put the truck in park. Then you will be able to remove the key. Later when you get the replacement part from Sweeden Bob, Realy check in to the process of installing it. I had a bitch of a time, (did not want to remove the sterring wheel), It can be done, but you will need to be creative in the way in goes in,( what tools to use and how to get it to fit). Give me a ring when you are ready. I check this site at least 2 times a day.

Explorer Pete · 08-01-2010, 02:11 PM

Just a note to anyone who is looking for a used part from a Junk yard. All of the original parts were made out of this POT metel, and they will break. You need to get one that is made out of solid aluminum. It is just a matter of time, before you have a shifter lever in your hand, and thinking to your self WTF. Ford realy had it together when they said " A better idea"

Artbp7 · 08-30-2010, 06:07 PM

Hello, I just had this problem happen to me two days ago. I removed the cover off the steering column, then removed the gearshift lever which was intact, also removed the broken piece. Now am trying to find the replacement piece I need. Cant seem to find it in the local auto part stores, trying to avoid going to the dealer and getting ripped off. Any help will be appreciated.

SwedenBob · 08-31-2010, 01:11 AM

here´s the solution:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=272586&page=3

ba288 · 02-25-2013, 04:04 PM

I just found out that Dorman Products sells a replacement part for between 50 and 90 dollars. Part number is 905-104 i ordered mine through Bensons Autoparts .

02 Ford Explorer Shift lever

mikey4563 · 02-25-2013, 04:54 PM

had the same issue happen to me recently. the dorman part worked and im now back on the road. Until then I had to use a pair of vice grips to shift. The dorman part is made out of steel rather than the crappy material the original one was made out of. The dealership wanted to replace my entire steering column. get the part from amazon. i got if for like 30 bucks. works like a charm. good luck

03-04-2010, 08:08 PM	#1
bigbird71 Wannabe Elite Explorer Coral Gables FL 2004 XLS Sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	My gear shift lever broke off in my hand! I have a 04 XLS with the column mounted transmission selector lever. The vehicle has 51K miles and today the shift lever broke completely from the column and left me stranded. I've been driving since 1966 and never had a shift lever break in my hand. Is this a common problem with Explorers and is there a quick fix other than tearing the steering column apart?

03-04-2010, 08:15 PM	#2
Glen4X4 Elite Explorer McClure, Pa. 96,97 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 6,438 Vehicle Specs	Welcome To The Forum! I believe I have heard it around the forum before...As for a quick fix where did it break? depending where it broke maybe you can use a small metal strip and tap a screw on both ends to hold it together. __________________ 96 Explorer XLT TT/Shackles 33's 4.88's 03 Silverado 1500 LS 4X4

03-04-2010, 08:27 PM	#3
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,689 Vehicle Specs	Welcome to this forum! I've renamed your thread, and moved it into the stock 2002-2005 section. Your profile says 94, but the post says 04. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

03-04-2010, 08:44 PM	#4
sport97 Elite Procrastinator connellsville pa 1997 sport SOHC 4.0 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2,324 Vehicle Specs	My friend has that happen to his 93 f150. He just went to a junkyard to get the part. He was unable to shift with the broken lever, he had to climb under with a pair of vise grips to shift it. Did yours break high enough up to still be able to shift? __________________ CB radio w/ dual whips, Front skidplate, 4 door leaf/aal/shackles/TT, 265/75/16 at's My ex -Vince

07-24-2010, 11:38 AM	#9
bigbird71 Wannabe Elite Explorer Coral Gables FL 2004 XLS Sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Shift Lever broke in my hand I do not think this is a job to be taken on by a non mechanic. I wound up getting a local body shop locate a used column from a recycle yard and had it installed by them. It cost $600.00

03-04-2010, 09:04 PM	#5
bigbird71 Wannabe Elite Explorer Coral Gables FL 2004 XLS Sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks for your suggestions. My post will have to be updated, I have a 2004 not a 1994. I saw a fix by Sweden Bob where he fabricated the part that broke. I;m hoping to hear a reply from him as to whether he has made replacement parts for sale; otherwise it looks like i will have to replace the entire column. I had the car towed to a body shop that I trust, hopefully they can find a good used part; otherwise according to the forum I'm looking at a $1200 repair

03-05-2010, 02:51 AM	#7
TimAdler Wannabe Elite Explorer Richmond, KY 2002 Eddie Bauer 4.0L Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 8 Vehicle Specs	I had that happen to mine, I had to put a whole new steering column in. I found a great used one for $150 at a salvage yard.

07-24-2010, 10:15 AM	#8
lespaul8 Wannabe Elite Explorer 76549 2002 Explorer Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	Can anyone explain to a "non" mechanic how to either fix this shift lever or how to replace the whole column?? apparently this is very well known problem among 2002 Ford Explorer owners!!!

07-25-2010, 04:36 PM	#10
newtek007 Wannabe Elite Explorer Newport News, Virginia 2002 Eddie Bauer 4X4 6 Cy Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 108 Vehicle Specs	This is my story with it. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...broken+shifter This is the thread that I started back when it happened to me. The piece is pot metal. Don't even bother trying fixing it. Read the post. Get the part from the guy that made a bunch up. It will be the last one you get. His is much better quality. __________________ "Hey, why use lighter fluid when gasoline works much better. HAAAHAAA!!"

07-26-2010, 08:56 AM	#11
bigbird71 Wannabe Elite Explorer Coral Gables FL 2004 XLS Sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Shift Lever I did buy the part from Sweden and now it it as a spare in case my rerplacement column breaks. It is really a well made part, much better than the pot metal used by Ford. Even with the part, I would not want to tackle the job myself, I don't know enough about steering systems to mess with.

08-01-2010, 07:44 AM	#12
trinitymarie Wannabe Elite Explorer kailua, Hi 2002 ford explorer Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	gear shift lever broke off today Today as I was getting ready to leave w/ my children in the car, I went to put it in reverse and it completely broke off. It didn't go in reverse but broke off completely. I went online to research because this is the oddest thing that has ever happened, and come to discover this is not an isolated incident. I would not of been that strong to break the metal. I tore the rubber from around it to look at the damage done. I am looking for a replacement, I do not have the money to buy a whole steering column new or used. I was hoping if this piece is still available. Please contact if so

08-01-2010, 01:55 PM	#13
Explorer Pete Wannabe Elite Explorer Sacramento, Ca. 02 XLT 4x4/08 Escape Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 111 Vehicle Specs	A quick fix that i had to come up with was: take off the top cover of the steering colum, drop the colum down with the adjuster, take a small pair of vice grips, clamp it around the shifter indicator cable atachment. This will alow you to shift gears, (from rev to drive),no park. Just set the parking break, turn it off. Your key will not remove until you tie down the switch that is at the bottom of the shifter slot. Your shift lever will make it close when you put the truck in park. Then you will be able to remove the key. Later when you get the replacement part from Sweeden Bob, Realy check in to the process of installing it. I had a bitch of a time, (did not want to remove the sterring wheel), It can be done, but you will need to be creative in the way in goes in,( what tools to use and how to get it to fit). Give me a ring when you are ready. I check this site at least 2 times a day.

08-01-2010, 02:11 PM	#14
Explorer Pete Wannabe Elite Explorer Sacramento, Ca. 02 XLT 4x4/08 Escape Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 111 Vehicle Specs	Just a note to anyone who is looking for a used part from a Junk yard. All of the original parts were made out of this POT metel, and they will break. You need to get one that is made out of solid aluminum. It is just a matter of time, before you have a shifter lever in your hand, and thinking to your self WTF. Ford realy had it together when they said " A better idea"

08-30-2010, 06:07 PM	#15
Artbp7 Wannabe Elite Explorer New York, NY 2002 Explorer Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 3 Vehicle Specs	Replacement Part Needed ASAP!!!!!!! Hello, I just had this problem happen to me two days ago. I removed the cover off the steering column, then removed the gearshift lever which was intact, also removed the broken piece. Now am trying to find the replacement piece I need. Cant seem to find it in the local auto part stores, trying to avoid going to the dealer and getting ripped off. Any help will be appreciated.

08-31-2010, 01:11 AM	#16
SwedenBob Wannabe Elite Explorer Bergsjo 02 XLT 2WD Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 110 Vehicle Specs	here´s the solution: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...=272586&page=3

02-25-2013, 04:04 PM	#17
ba288 Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	My Gearshift lever broke off in my hand I just found out that Dorman Products sells a replacement part for between 50 and 90 dollars. Part number is 905-104 i ordered mine through Bensons Autoparts . 02 Ford Explorer Shift lever

02-25-2013, 04:54 PM	#18
mikey4563 Wannabe Elite Explorer Camas, WA 2004 Ford Explorer XLT Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 70 Vehicle Specs	had the same issue happen to me recently. the dorman part worked and im now back on the road. Until then I had to use a pair of vice grips to shift. The dorman part is made out of steel rather than the crappy material the original one was made out of. The dealership wanted to replace my entire steering column. get the part from amazon. i got if for like 30 bucks. works like a charm. good luck