1994 Aerostar with a loose automatic transmission shift linkage.

[jimpierce]

Or at least I think that is what the problem is. It got real loose all of a sudden. When I go to shift from park I have to go way past my mark, I can count the "clicks" to the gear. I would not be able to put it in low. I have to go that far almost to put it in drive. I can set the pointer into its proper spot after getting it in gear. Going back to park is no trouble. The slower I move and the more I hold the shift arm pulled back solid, the easier it shifts.
A mechanic I went to said this was pretty common on the type of vehicle and column. I have figured out how to take the column off so I can see it from the top but it didn't look like the problem was there.
Any help?

 

[Jose A.]

there are two brass-color Torx bolts located facing down halfway between the floor and the steering wheel;

you have to get on your back looking up with a powerful flashlight or lamp to see them.

they come lose and the symptom is the same as you describe, a lose shifter linkage.

find them and tighten them, see if it fixes the issue. If not that, it could be the plastic shifter bushing, still available aftermarket.

 

[jimpierce]

thank you!! I'll check that out this afternoon.

 

[Jose A.]

here's a picture of those two Torx bolts that come loose.

 

[swshawaii]

Torx T30. Blue Loctite AND M6 lock washers recommended.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219144&highlight=shifter+bolt+fell

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3207553&postcount=42

 

[jimpierce]

I will look again. What I think I saw had only one bolt. I seem to remember seeing a loose bolt on the floor. Thanks folks. I'll go twist myself back in there.

 

[jimpierce]

This bolt.

 

[Jose A.]

yes, definitely that is one of two bolts that have a nasty tendency to become lose and come off, as it happened in your case. That is the problem in your loose shifter.

look at the photo I posted above and you can see where exactly it came from, just look for the "wheel" shown in the photo and then right above it is where that bolt goes to.

also member swshawaii posted the Torx bit size and tips on making the fix permanent.

 

[jimpierce]

Awesome!! Thanks folks! That's a $300 repair bill averted that wasn't even the issue the mechanic thought it was. Sure glad I kept the mystery bolt. And no, the problem didn't begin when I found the bolt so I wasn't off that bad. Lol

 

[Jose A.]

I would be happy if I get paid $300. to tighten 2 bolts too !

 

[jimpierce]

I would be happy if I get paid $300. to tighten 2 bolts too !

Me too!! lol This is why I don't trust shop mechanics. Even the ones I like.