Solved 2001 Sport doesn't want to start in Park?

[BamaB2]

2001 Explorer Sport, 4.0, 2wd, Automatic

My son's 2001 Sport occasionally will not start with the transmission in Park. It will sometimes start in Park after shifting through gears and back. It will start in Neutral. I'm guessing it's the Neutral Safety Switch? Can you adjust it or just replace? Is it still called the Neutral Safety Switch? Thanks

 

[Turdle]

I believe the Nuetral switch is part of the "transmission range sensor" on the side of the transmission-

However

There could be a loose screw in the column shifter linkage which may cause this-second post here is a bit hasty so skim past it

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

Also, check the shifter linkage under the dash area.

 

[Vinaell]

I just had this problem with my explorer a couple weeks ago it was the Neutral safety switch very easy to replace its on the driverside of the transmission 1 big bolt holding the shift link and then 2 small bolts holding the switch on. Make sure you line up the new one to match the old. Replacing it is the best option because it will go out here soon

 

[BamaB2]

Thanks guys. I suspected it had a different name. I'll ckeck out the linkage while I'm at it. Shouldn't be a bad part to replace if needed.

 

[BamaB2]

Turdle, you nailed it. Loose linkage under the dash. Tighten two torx bolts and good as new. Thanks brother.

 

[Turdle]

A free fix i the best kind-glad you got it sorted out. Thanks for posting the update!

Marking this solved, hopefully it will help somebody in the future.