Car not starting unless i push shifter into P

[biglovemp]

First off, HI! I am new to this forum but i am part of many other forums.

I just got a 96 explorer and the first day i had it i had a problem with starting it until a friend of mine told me about this "common" problem thee exploreres have. Sometimes the car wont start unless i push or hold up the shifter into "P".
Is there a way to fix this?? I was thinking about putting a remote start on this truck but i am afraid of it not working properly because of this problem.

BTW, Ijust changed the dash lights because they were out and i noticed that there is a cable with a wire connected to the intrument panel. What is that? is that what controls the display of P, R, Drive???

 

[cybergasm]

Sounds like the ignition switch on the column is bad not the lock cylinder. But the switch it self. Only around 20 to replace it.

if you pull the off the dash cover around the steering column and look in on the top of the column you will see or feel a flat switch with two bolts holding it on and a large wire connector going to it. Replace that and you should correct the problem.

oh yea make sure you use a security Torx bit when removing the bolts (ie the center of the torx bit is hollow.


yeah that cable you saw just controls the postion of the shifter indicator only and nothing else

hopes this helps ya

 

[biglovemp]

Sounds like the ignition switch on the column is bad not the lock cylinder. But the switch it self. Only around 20 to replace it.

if you pull the off the dash cover around the steering column and look in on the top of the column you will see or feel a flat switch with two bolts holding it on and a large wire connector going to it. Replace that and you should correct the problem.

oh yea make sure you use a security Torx bit when removing the bolts (ie the center of the torx bit is hollow.


yeah that cable you saw just controls the postion of the shifter indicator only and nothing else

hopes this helps ya

Thanks! Hopes this corrrects the problem!
But doesnt changing the ignition switch mean i will need new keys as well?


And about that cable, is there a way to remove taht so i could actually get the instrument cluster out? I noticed after i put everythng back together that i am still missing a bulb which is out. I was thinking of just leaving it like that being that everything is still illuminated!

 

[montegun]

check this link out before you go changing the inition switch also you will not need new keys if you need to change the ignition SWITCH it is mounted on the column under the dash it sounds like the bolts that are mentioned in the link are loose which is a common ford problem you will need a t30 torx to tighten them also follow the wire it should connect to the column with a little philips head screw there will be a lil adjuster that the wire goes into unscrew that and you can take the cluster out heres the link

http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228608

 

[biglovemp]

check this link out before you go changing the inition switch also you will not need new keys if you need to change the ignition SWITCH it is mounted on the column under the dash it sounds like the bolts that are mentioned in the link are loose which is a common ford problem you will need a t30 torx to tighten them also follow the wire it should connect to the column with a little philips head screw there will be a lil adjuster that the wire goes into unscrew that and you can take the cluster out heres the link

http://explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228608

I am not sure if its the same problem. My shifter shifts into any position easily. It doesnt necessarily stay on the "P" when i put it in park. So when i go to restart the engine i have to basically push up on the shifter at the same time turn the ignition to start it. It just seems as if the car doesnt think its in Park. Could this be because of that screw mentioned on that link?

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

I am not sure if its the same problem. My shifter shifts into any position easily. It doesnt necessarily stay on the "P" when i put it in park. So when i go to restart the engine i have to basically push up on the shifter at the same time turn the ignition to start it. It just seems as if the car doesnt think its in Park. Could this be because of that screw mentioned on that link?

I would check the bolts first. It's free (assuming you have the tools) and easy (other than being upside down under the dash). I didn't have your porblem, but the bolts were loose and the shifter was sloppy and did not engage gears easily. Could very well be your problem.

 

[biglovemp]

I would check the bolts first. It's free (assuming you have the tools) and easy (other than being upside down under the dash). I didn't have your porblem, but the bolts were loose and the shifter was sloppy and did not engage gears easily. Could very well be your problem.

Thanks! I guess i will give it a try. i have nothing to loose.

 

[Cobraguy]

I think you are looking at the wrong adjustment. The ignition switch has nothing to do with the location of the shift lever. You need to adjust the transmission range sensor on the side of the transmission. There is actually a special tool for that, but you should be able to loosen and slightly adjust it to fix that problem. Adjust it just enough to be able to start the car in park or neutral, and still have reverse lights and the trans operate correctly.

But before you adjust anything, go through the shift linkage and tighten everything up. Make sure you don't have a loose linkage connection somewhere. That can cause this too.

 

[biglovemp]

I think you are looking at the wrong adjustment. The ignition switch has nothing to do with the location of the shift lever. You need to adjust the transmission range sensor on the side of the transmission. There is actually a special tool for that, but you should be able to loosen and slightly adjust it to fix that problem. Adjust it just enough to be able to start the car in park or neutral, and still have reverse lights and the trans operate correctly.

But before you adjust anything, go through the shift linkage and tighten everything up. Make sure you don't have a loose linkage connection somewhere. That can cause this too.

I am not sure what i should be looking at. i am just going based off of the advise i get on here. The shift lever is actually not really off just slightly. The one thing i do know is that i have to push the shift or hold it up to start the car.

 

[judy007]

I am not sure what i should be looking at. i am just going based off of the advise i get on here. The shift lever is actually not really off just slightly. The one thing i do know is that i have to push the shift or hold it up to start the car.

Hello, hope all is well. I am curious what the outcome was with your explorer scenario? Please, share if you can. I am having a similar experiences with a 2000 explorer.
Thanking you in advance
Judy

I am not sure what i should be looking at. i am just going based off of the advise i get on here. The shift lever is actually not really off just slightly. The one thing i do know is that i have to push the shift or hold it up to start the car.

 

[judy007]

Sounds like the ignition switch on the column is bad not the lock cylinder. But the switch it self. Only around 20 to replace it.

if you pull the off the dash cover around the steering column and look in on the top of the column you will see or feel a flat switch with two bolts holding it on and a large wire connector going to it. Replace that and you should correct the problem.

oh yea make sure you use a security Torx bit when removing the bolts (ie the center of the torx bit is hollow.


yeah that cable you saw just controls the postion of the shifter indicator only and nothing else

hopes this helps ya

Hello, hope all is well. I would value your expertise. I am experiencing a similar issue with a 2000 explorer.
The shifter was very loose, making it difficult to slide into Park.
Had the torque screws and bushing replaced, which only allowed the vehicle to start in Neutral.
Then after a few hours of driving, the vehicle refused to start, not even a crack. Then it started the next morning. Now, it hasn't started since then(2wks).
Replaced the neutral safety switch
Had battery and started inspected at AutoZone- good
Still won't crank. Should I replace the ignition switch?

Thanking you in advance
Judy

 

[wollimann]

Replaced the neutral safety switch

Sometimes it called
Park Neutral Safety Switch

And sometimes it called
Transmission Neutral Savety Switch

But i think you changed the switch at the steering column.

Still won't crank. Should I replace the ignition switch?

Instead of changing parts, diagnosis should be the first thing.
Are there any DTC's? You can read trouble codes?
Sensors, switches and relais could cause a no crank issue.
- Crankshaft position sensor, corrosion on plug or bad wires
- TRS Transmission Range Sensor, did your back driving lights work when switching to R?
- Starter relais hanging or bad
- Sometimes the starter don't get a signal to start, bad contact or corrosion at the small wire at the starter
- Sometimes the starter itself is bad, tested as good or not
- Ignition switch, wiggle the key, sometimes it starts, then i would change the switch.
- Sometimes the plug connection under the steering wheel plastic cover is not tight, wires are short there.

Good luck and regards

 

[410Fortune]

Yikes

The start circuit is very simple

Have you tried starting it in neutral? If it starts in neutral then your column shifter and shift cable are simply out of adjustment
It is adjusted down at the transmission

The column shifter also gets loose, the bushings and bolts should be replaced / fixed to get rid of the looseness

Quit changing parts that are not the issue

The ignition switch has very little to do with a truck thy starts when you jam the shifter to p.

Diagnostics of the start circuit is done with a simple test Light or multimeter
Check starter relay and fuse first before replacing anything

If it starts when you “jam it into park” then it is going to be a loose column shifter and a shorter cable

 

[judy007]

Yikes

The start circuit is very simple

Have you tried starting it in neutral? If it starts in neutral then your column shifter and shift cable are simply out of adjustment
It is adjusted down at the transmission

The column shifter also gets loose, the bushings and bolts should be replaced / fixed to get rid of the looseness

Quit changing parts that are not the issue

The ignition switch has very little to do with a truck thy starts when you jam the shifter to p.

Diagnostics of the start circuit is done with a simple test Light or multimeter
Check starter relay and fuse first before replacing anything

If it starts when you “jam it into park” then it is going to be a loose column shifter and a shorter cable

Thank you and God's blessings to you and all who those who share their knowledge and experiences here.
The vehicle, first culprit was "jam it into Park" for it to start. The shifter was extremely loose. The tech changed out the shifter bushings and the entire shifting bracket under the steering column. Citing a missing torque screw and broken bracket pieces. After the shifter was stiff/stable, vehicle only started in Neutral and wouldn't even shift into park. The vehicle ran for a few hours and then wouldn't even crank. Since then, I found this forum, and have since changed the genuine neutral safety switch, ignition switch, tested battery and starter, plugs are new and still no crank.
I do recall reverse lights not working, when vehicle was running/working.

It is possible, that something when wrong with the shifter bracket replacement?
You mentioned at the end a loose column shifter and short cable.
Which cable are you referring to?

God bless you
Judy

 

[410Fortune]

Judy
The mechanic who fixed your column shifter should have then performed an adjustment of the shift cable

The shift cable is what the column shifter uses to shift your auto transmission

As you know by now there is a neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission
It is adjustable
It is to be adjusted in neutral
This means the shift cable from the column shifter is disconnected at the transmission
The column shifter is then put in the neutral position
The neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission is then adjusted to the neutral position. It has two lines on it and an “n” on the side of the plastic. You loosen the two screws, shift the trans into the n position w the lever
Line up the neutral safety switch
Tighten the bolts
Now the shift cable is loosened at the adjuster down at the transmission bracket
Moved so it lines up in neutral
Re attached and locked down into position

With everything lined up at n you should now easily be able to get into park
The truck should also easily start in park and neutral

This is a basic part of column shifter repair
You must align the neutral safety switch

As a bonus he should have also adjust the adjuster wheel and line up your little orange gear indicator as well in the instrument cluster


If you paid a shop to fix the column shifter I would ask them to help you adjust the mitral safety for free since they failed to do it the first time around
If that is not an option and If you are able we can walk you through this with pictures of you have some basics tools and an hour or two
I hope this helps

 

[judy007]

Judy
The mechanic who fixed your column shifter should have then performed an adjustment of the shift cable

The shift cable is what the column shifter uses to shift your auto transmission

As you know by now there is a neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission
It is adjustable
It is to be adjusted in neutral
This means the shift cable from the column shifter is disconnected at the transmission
The column shifter is then put in the neutral position
The neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission is then adjusted to the neutral position. It has two lines on it and an “n” on the side of the plastic. You loosen the two screws, shift the trans into the n position w the lever
Line up the neutral safety switch
Tighten the bolts
Now the shift cable is loosened at the adjuster down at the transmission bracket
Moved so it lines up in neutral
Re attached and locked down into position

With everything lined up at n you should now easily be able to get into park
The truck should also easily start in park and neutral

This is a basic part of column shifter repair
You must align the neutral safety switch

As a bonus he should have also adjust the adjuster wheel and line up your little orange gear indicator as well in the instrument cluster


If you paid a shop to fix the column shifter I would ask them to help you adjust the mitral safety for free since they failed to do it the first time around
If that is not an option and If you are able we can walk you through this with pictures of you have some basics tools and an hour or two
I hope th

Judy
The mechanic who fixed your column shifter should have then performed an adjustment of the shift cable

The shift cable is what the column shifter uses to shift your auto transmission

As you know by now there is a neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission
It is adjustable
It is to be adjusted in neutral
This means the shift cable from the column shifter is disconnected at the transmission
The column shifter is then put in the neutral position
The neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission is then adjusted to the neutral position. It has two lines on it and an “n” on the side of the plastic. You loosen the two screws, shift the trans into the n position w the lever
Line up the neutral safety switch
Tighten the bolts
Now the shift cable is loosened at the adjuster down at the transmission bracket
Moved so it lines up in neutral
Re attached and locked down into position

With everything lined up at n you should now easily be able to get into park
The truck should also easily start in park and neutral

This is a basic part of column shifter repair
You must align the neutral safety switch

As a bonus he should have also adjust the adjuster wheel and line up your little orange gear indicator as well in the instrument cluster


If you paid a shop to fix the column shifter I would ask them to help you adjust the mitral safety for free since they failed to do it the first time around
If that is not an option and If you are able we can walk you through this with pictures of you have some basics tools and an hour or two
I hope this helps

God blessings, grace and mercy upon you and all here that share resolutions from their gifts.
I am not using a shop, a friend is assisting me. By his abilities, he has replaced both shifter bracket and neutral safety switch. The orange tab doesn’t lined up as it originally did. However, the vehicle started up yesterday morning and wouldn’t again later in the afternoon. He replaced the battery and and it started up. I was ecstatic that the matter was resolved. However, it wouldn’t startup this morning. He switched around the relays and fuses and tried to engage the starter manually from under the vehicle. Now, he believes it’s the starter solenoid.
Am bewildered by all of this. He had gotten the starter and battery tested by auto l

Judy
The mechanic who fixed your column shifter should have then performed an adjustment of the shift cable

The shift cable is what the column shifter uses to shift your auto transmission

As you know by now there is a neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission
It is adjustable
It is to be adjusted in neutral
This means the shift cable from the column shifter is disconnected at the transmission
The column shifter is then put in the neutral position
The neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission is then adjusted to the neutral position. It has two lines on it and an “n” on the side of the plastic. You loosen the two screws, shift the trans into the n position w the lever
Line up the neutral safety switch
Tighten the bolts
Now the shift cable is loosened at the adjuster down at the transmission bracket
Moved so it lines up in neutral
Re attached and locked down into position

With everything lined up at n you should now easily be able to get into park
The truck should also easily start in park and neutral

This is a basic part of column shifter repair
You must align the neutral safety switch

As a bonus he should have also adjust the adjuster wheel and line up your little orange gear indicator as well in the instrument cluster


If you paid a shop to fix the column shifter I would ask them to help you adjust the mitral safety for free since they failed to do it the first time around
If that is not an option and If you are able we can walk you through this with pictures of you have some basics tools and an hour or two
I hope this hel

Judy
The mechanic who fixed your column shifter should have then performed an adjustment of the shift cable

The shift cable is what the column shifter uses to shift your auto transmission

As you know by now there is a neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission
It is adjustable
It is to be adjusted in neutral
This means the shift cable from the column shifter is disconnected at the transmission
The column shifter is then put in the neutral position
The neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission is then adjusted to the neutral position. It has two lines on it and an “n” on the side of the plastic. You loosen the two screws, shift the trans into the n position w the lever
Line up the neutral safety switch
Tighten the bolts
Now the shift cable is loosened at the adjuster down at the transmission bracket
Moved so it lines up in neutral
Re attached and locked down into position

With everything lined up at n you should now easily be able to get into park
The truck should also easily start in park and neutral

This is a basic part of column shifter repair
You must align the neutral safety switch

As a bonus he should have also adjust the adjuster wheel and line up your little orange gear indicator as well in the instrument cluster


If you paid a shop to fix the column shifter I would ask them to help you adjust the mitral safety for free since they failed to do it the first time around
If that is not an option and If you are able we can walk you through this with pictures of you have some basics tools and an hour or two
I hope this helps

God’s blessings mercy and grace upon you all who share their knowledge here.
I am using a shop. Perhaps if I could afford them, the matter would begin resolved. I have a friend that’s helping at affordable rate. However, it’s a month now and vehicle is stagnant.
He has replaced both the shifter bracket, neutral safety switch, tested battery and starter auto zone and switched around the relays and fuses.
The vehicle started up, yesterday in the morning and wouldn’t in the evening.
He replaced the battery this morning and I drove it to the store, only for it not to restart.
He tried engaging the starter from under the vehicle and now suggests, it’s the starter solenoid.
I am 87yrs young, maybe the universe is telling me not to drive.

God’s blessings
Judy in Tampa

 

[410Fortune]

Judy he needs to adjust your shifter cable and neutral safety switch would be my guess
It is done at the side of the transmission as described above

The starter uses a relay not a solenoid
I sent a link showing the location of the 50 amp fuse and the starter relay

 

[judy007]

Judy he needs to adjust your shifter cable and neutral safety switch would be my guess
It is done at the side of the transmission as described above

The starter uses a relay not a solenoid
I sent a link showing the location of the 50 amp fuse and the starter relay

Thank you.

 

[judy007]

Judy he needs to adjust your shifter cable and neutral safety switch would be my guess
It is done at the side of the transmission as described above

The starter uses a relay not a solenoid
I sent a link showing the location of the 50 amp fuse and the starter relay

Thank you very much. Where is the link?

 

[410Fortune]

Found it in the other thread taking about the column shifter and looseness

Shifter not going in Park. Bushings replaced, torxs tightened up. What else could be done?

Hi Judy. I’m on it . Car is a keeper and a daily driver so I determined to get it done. Plus I did a lot of work on it and it’s really fun to drive. My ignition switch is couple of years old. I replaced it when I had an issue with immobilized . I forgot the name of it, immobilized antenna? Ring...

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