'03 Mounty Hard to shift from drive to park

[bigbadbuford]

Hey all,

I just encountered a problem with my 2003 Mountaineer. It has almost 80K miles and has been excellent so far. My wife has been saying for the last week or two that the shift lever is getting stuck when she is putting it in park. I just drove it and she is right it is getting stuck when the indicator is clost to reverse. You actually have to make a second try before it will go into park. It has neverr done this before. Any ideas?

 

[jimEMT]

Had the same issue with my '03 Explorer, and luckily I was still under my ESP plan. Apparently, there's a TSB on this and there is a known issue with this....if I can find the paperwork I will fill you in. They replaced a part and all was fine.

 

[jeffwhiteis]

Ive been having the same problem! ...wondering what I can do to fix it.

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2043424&postcount=2

 

[2002 Mountaineer]

Jim,

2002 Mountaineer won't shift directly into park, sounds same as your issue. Local dealer wants to put car on the scope, run diagnostics, etc. I have found that there is already a TSB on this, they can't seem to find it. Do you have the P/N for item that was replaced, or more detail on the matter?

Thanks,

Doug S.
2002 Mountaineer

 

[satyr64]

shift lock solenoid

 

[2002 Mountaineer]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Doug

 

[satyr64]

FORD: 2002-2005 Explorer
MERCURY: 2002-2005 Mountaineer


ISSUE:
Some 2002-2005 Explorer 4dr/Mountaineer vehicles, may require a greater effort to move the gear selector lever (shift lever) from drive to park. This may be due to a time delay with the brake shift interlock (BSI) pin retraction.

ACTION:
To service, replace the BSI switch. Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1 Remove the two (2) fasteners supporting the instrument panel knee bolster from below the steering column and remove the cover (Figure 1).
2 Remove the three (3) fasteners supporting the steering column lower shroud and remove the cover (Figure 2).
3Remove the three (3) wiring bundle carrier fasteners from the bottom of the steering column to allow movement while removing the BSI switch. It may be necessary to release the connectors from the multifunction switch (Figure 3).
4 Remove the BSI fasteners (T-30 on the side and T-20 on the bottom) (Figure 4).
5 Pull the BSI tab on the bottom of the column downward to help free the BSI from the column housing.
6 Break the two (2) side tabs off the BSI by the white wiring connector (Figure 5).
7 Push the locking tab on the white connector towards the wiring to release the connector from the BSI. Be careful not to damage the connector or wiring. If the connector does not free easily, a very small flat screwdriver may be used to help lift the locking tab (Figure 6).
8 Connect the wiring to the new BSI. Ensure all clips are fully engaged to prevent the connector from pulling free.
9 Reinstall the BSI onto the steering column and reinstall fasteners (Figure 7).
10 Check BSI function. With the key in the accessories or run position, press the brake pedal. The BSI pin should retract on brake application, and spring up one (1) second after releasing the brake pedal. Repeat several times.
11 Reinstall fasteners to connect wiring bundle carrier to the steering column. Make sure all connections to the multifunction switch unit are secured properly.
12 Reassemble steering column in reverse order. Ensure rubber gap hider around shift lever is properly seated on the shroud.
13Cycle the shift lever from park to drive and drive back to park several times to verify improved shift effort.

1L2Z-3Z719-DA BSI Switch part number

 

[2002 Mountaineer]

2002 Mountaineer hard to shift from drive to park

Thank you very much for the detailed switch replacement info and for the part number. This makes sense, sounds like it will do the trick.

Thanks again,

Doug S.