2010 gear shift indicator problem.

[Xplorer82]

Ok, I have tried some searching (here, google and youtube) and haven't had much luck.

My wife couldn't get the truck in reverse the other day (not the first time, but the worst time) so she used some force and got it into reverse. now the shift indicator is off. not by much, but it is off. I cant even get a manual 1st gear. its like N so must be in between 2nd and 1st.


Any ideas on how to get this fixed? like I said I have done some searching and came across some info about the plastic teeth on the side of the transmission but no real details on how to properly adjust it.

I did find a rock jarred in between the shift lever and the transmission which could be causing the hard shift out of park. I removed the rock and rechecked the indicator position and no luck, it is still off so she pulled to hard and it will need to be adjusted.

Thank you to anyone that can take time and help with the issue.

2010 Explorer 4.0 SOHC 4wd.

 

[BigRondo]

This thread may help out:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388869

Good luck getting it sorted.

 

[Xplorer82]

Nope didn't help. I seen that thread when I was searching. But my adjustment will need to be made at the transmission I do believe. I went and got a Haynes manual to check and it only tells how to adjust the column shifters, not the floor models so that was a waste of $26 for the book.

The thing that is worrying me is that it feels as if you are taking off in 3rd gear when it should be in drive. and like I said, I can not even get a manual 1st gear . o well she better hope she don't burn up the transmission till I figure something out.


will keep searching but if someone can add anything further, feel free.

Thanks.

 

[BigRondo]

Sorry I couldn't be more help. I am not familiar with the 4th Gens.

 

[Xplorer82]

no biggie Thanks tho.. I personally am a 2nd gen guy, haven't had to touch this 4th gen other then oil changes..

i'm sure ill figure something out. hopefully sooner then later before bigger problems arise

 

[Boomyal]

It must be an issue at the transmission. That indicator arm is pretty much tied to the movement of the shift lever itself. Was it cold or warm out when the Mrs had to muscle it out of park?

 

[Xplorer82]

it was about 32 degrees out. so it was a little cold.

tonight while I was under the truck looking at things I seen a rock jammed in between the lever and the transmission. once I removed it, it did come out of park smoothly. when I had the console apart looking under there I did not see any liquids or gunk on anything and the plunger moved freely every time I pressed the brake pedal. so I am thinking the problem of not coming out of park was the rock jammed in between the lever and trans, not the common problem everyone seems to have. although I can not rule that out.

I did find some info in the Haynes manual about the unit on the transmission. but all it says is stick a screwdriver in it to "unlock it" and that's about it unless im not reading between the lines. IDK. between this truck and my Ram's brake issues im losing track of what I have been reading.

Never ends.

 

[Boomyal]

i.....Never ends......

That and taxes! Did your gear indicator return to normal?

 

[Xplorer82]

no it is still off. I gave up for the night. will try again tomorrow most likely. She is going to call the dealership she got it from and see if she is eligible for the recall for the hard to shift from park and mention that the indicator is off as well and maybe, just maybe they will fix that for me, I mean her ..

 

[Themightyquinn]

Hmmm strange. What I would do would disconnect the shift cable at the xmsn, and with the help of a friend, manually move the lever to each position and drive it to see if it selecting the proper gears. if it drives fine that way, i would probably pull the shift cable out and inspect it for any damage. Maybe replace it just for the hell of it. Also I would recommend removing the entire center console and shifter assy and give it a thorough inspection. Its pretty easy to do and takes less than 30 minutes. Here's a pic of my shifter and console completely removed from the vehicle. you can see the end of the shift cable.

 

[Boomyal]

..... Its pretty easy to do and takes less than 30 minutes. .....

That's pretty funny, TMQ. It probably took me 30 minutes just to get the top cap off my console. I'm sure I could do it quicker the next time but to strip it down like yours....???? I guess I would make a poor flat rater.

 

[Themightyquinn]

Lol. Boomyall. I wish I had my Explorer with me. I would make a tutorial. I plan on doing a few how to threads when I get back home.

 

[Boomyal]

Lol. Boomyall. I wish I had my Explorer with me. I would make a tutorial. I plan on doing a few how to threads when I get back home.

Well, I'll be standing by, with 'bated breath, awaiting your production. Without one I would undoubtedly spend near a full day futsing around with figuring it out.

With it having warmed up considerably I am not having an issue pulling it out of park but before next winter, I will want to revisit the matter before something breaks.

Maybe I have a shift cable problem but the hitch acts like it is up in the shifter assembly. Besides, I can look down to where you stripped yours to and see a bit of goo that I would like to clean up.

 

[Themightyquinn]

I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you....

 

[Boomyal]

I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you....

 

[Themightyquinn]

the earliest I wil be back to the states is prolly around septemberish. unless my company decides they want me to be an Apache mechanic.

 

[Boomyal]

the earliest I wil be back to the states is prolly around septemberish. ........

Well that works for me as it will not have yet turned cold by then.