1996 Stalling /no start unless moving PRNDL switch a lot?

[Kali1234]

Hello everyone, a new guy here, been reading the forum a lot, a lot of good information, but now I have a concern that is baffling me.

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer sport. I have had 3 instances where it stalls going down the road, and 3 times where it will not start, unless I move the prndl switch back and forth a number of times, At one time I had the anti Theft leght flicker, and during th eextended crank, it just acts like there is no fuel. But will eventually start if I move the PRNDL back and forth between low and park.

Any suggestions? I do not think that it is a fuel delivery problem.

 

[gmanpaint]

Neutral safety switch.

 

[CAHUNTERMAN]

If it's not cranking it could be the neutral safety switch but if it's cranking but not starting it would more likely be a bad ignition switch or something intermittent with the PATS system.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The neutral safety switch was the part used on the A4LD. It's called the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) on this model. On the newer models, its called the Digital Transmission Range Sensor (DTRS).

 

[Kali1234]

TRS.. That sounds like it could be it, as it is cranking, so it is probably not the neutral safety switch., would the TRS allow it to stall and then restart going down the road? (if I place it into Neutral)

Thanks for such a quick responses

 

[BrooklynBay]

It tells the computer which gear you are in. Your 4R55E has an electronic valve body. A new sensor has to be aligned or it won't work properly. There should be a line for the neutral mark. Do you see your reverse lights turn on when you put it into neutral?

 

[Kali1234]

nope, not getting the back uplights on when in neutral, but the PRNDL has some play in it when it is in park.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's possible that the shift cable might be out of alignment. Do you have to wiggle the shifter in park to start it?

 

[Kali1234]

no, do not have to wiggle it. I did notice it tonight that it was after it was warm. I have gone out a couple times now that it is cold and it start up, so it is baffling, but when it was hot, I could not even get it to "catch" until I moved the shifter numerous times, and then it would start for a second and shut down again. but it is not setting any codes. it has me scratching my head a little.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The TRS might act up at certain temperatures. Some books call it the Manual Lever Position Sensor (MLPS).

 

[Kali1234]

I attempted to look up the TRS, but could not find it, could it be called something else? or is this a dealer stock item only?

Thanks

 

[Kali1234]

Missed the part about the MLPS. I will look into that. Thanks for all of your help tonight. I will post what I find.

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.motorcraft.com/products.do?item=9_9

This link has the Ford part number F5AZ7A247A: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1121043&postcount=1