difficult to shift to park

[originaljrock]

I've been having this problem thats getting progressively worse. I have an 02 explorer xlt w/ 5spd auto. When I attempt to shift to park from drive, I usually can't. It's like something isn't lining up or something is blocking the lever from entering park. It's to the point that I have to enter reverse, backup a foot or so then enter park. If I use reverse and go to park everything works fine. I was thinking it was linkage, but haven't had a chance to look into adjusting it. The part that made me want to talk to you guys first was that the other day it slipped and didn't enter 1st gear. I was driving it, so everything was warm. I rolled to a stop sign and went to pull away, it acted like it was in neutral but only for a second or two. I have this problem before with reverse not engaging right away. and another time after it sat for a couple days, it wouldn't engage into drive until I cycled through all the gears. These traits are what worry me that it may not be something as simple as a linkage adjustment. I'm going to check fluid this weekend, but everyone has a different process to check. What is the proper way?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Lets troubleshoot this problem. Put the vehicle on ramps, and apply the parking brake. You might have to do this with the electrical system on, and your foot on the brake if you have the electric shift lockout. It won't allow you to shift out of park any other way. Disconnect the linkage from the transmission. Try to shift from park to 1st, then into drive, then to park. See if it binds. If that feels OK, then move the piece on the transmission the same way to see if it binds.

 

[ExploringNC]

I had similar problem, when I would put it in park it wouldn't engage all the way and the truck would still roll and I wasn't able to select 1st gear. I also had trouble starting it, I usually had to put it in neutral to start.

After completly taring the dash abart I found a loose bracket that holds the shifter cable. You can get to it without taking anything abart, if you stand on your head and look up under the dash it's located above the steering column. Easiest way to find it is to find the shifter cable and follow it, you will need a star bit to tighten the bolt.

 

[originaljrock]

thanks for the info. I won't get a chance to try until sometime tomorrow. The weather decided to turn fantastically miserable here. I will try all your suggestions and update on my findings.

 

[acabtp]

thanks!

After completly taring the dash abart I found a loose bracket that holds the shifter cable. You can get to it without taking anything abart, if you stand on your head and look up under the dash it's located above the steering column. Easiest way to find it is to find the shifter cable and follow it, you will need a star bit to tighten the bolt.

Sorry for dragging up the old thread, but THANK YOU!! I was having that same problem, and I too figured that I would need to take a lot of things apart to find the problem, and you saved me a ton of work.

 

[cdavis930]

I had similar problem, when I would put it in park it wouldn't engage all the way and the truck would still roll and I wasn't able to select 1st gear. I also had trouble starting it, I usually had to put it in neutral to start.

After completly taring the dash abart I found a loose bracket that holds the shifter cable. You can get to it without taking anything abart, if you stand on your head and look up under the dash it's located above the steering column. Easiest way to find it is to find the shifter cable and follow it, you will need a star bit to tighten the bolt.

I just wanted to thank you for this information! I had the exact same problem and thought about taking it to be checked out. Thanks again for the saved time and money. Your a LIFE SAVER!!!

 

[Dice213]

yea sorry to revive an old post but I also had the same issues on my 98 2DR sport (500$ Deal) Thanks a bunch...only thing is now the arrow doesnt line up with park

 

[ExploringNC]

There is an adjustment thumb wheel to line the arrow up. It's on the assembly that houses the arrow.

 

[Dice213]

do you happen to have a picture of this thumb wheel? and what exactly do I have to take apart? just take the Cluster out?

 

[gijoecam]

There's a TSB for this issue.

TSB
04-22-12 GEAR SELECTOR LEVER - INCREASED EFFORT TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK

Publication Date: October 29, 2004

FORD: 2002-2005 Explorer
MERCURY: 2002-2005 Mountaineer


ISSUE:
Some 2002-2005 Explorer 4dr/Mountaineer vehicles, may require a greater effort to move the gear selector lever (shift lever) from drive to park. This may be due to a time delay with the brake shift interlock (BSI) pin retraction.

ACTION:
To service, replace the BSI switch. Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Remove the two (2) fasteners supporting the instrument panel knee bolster from below the steering column and remove the cover (Figure 1).


Figure 1 - Article 04-22-12


Remove the three (3) fasteners supporting the steering column lower shroud and remove the cover (Figure 2).


Figure 2 - Article 04-22-12


Remove the three (3) wiring bundle carrier fasteners from the bottom of the steering column to allow movement while removing the BSI switch. It may be necessary to release the connectors from the multifunction switch (Figure 3).


Figure 3 - Article 04-22-12


Remove the BSI fasteners (T-30 on the side and T-20 on the bottom) (Figure 4).


Figure 4 - Article 04-22-12


Pull the BSI tab on the bottom of the column downward to help free the BSI from the column housing.
Break the two (2) side tabs off the BSI by the white wiring connector (Figure 5).


Figure 5 - Article 04-22-12


Push the locking tab on the white connector towards the wiring to release the connector from the BSI. Be careful not to damage the connector or wiring. If the connector does not free easily, a very small flat screwdriver may be used to help lift the locking tab (Figure 6).


Figure 6 - Article 04-22-12


Connect the wiring to the new BSI. Ensure all clips are fully engaged to prevent the connector from pulling free.
Reinstall the BSI onto the steering column and reinstall fasteners (Figure 7).


Figure 7 - Article 04-22-12


Check BSI function. With the key in the accessories or run position, press the brake pedal. The BSI pin should retract on brake application, and spring up one (1) second after releasing the brake pedal. Repeat several times.
Reinstall fasteners to connect wiring bundle carrier to the steering column. Make sure all connections to the multifunction switch unit are secured properly.
Reassemble steering column in reverse order. Ensure rubber gap hider around shift lever is properly seated on the shroud.
Cycle the shift lever from park to drive and drive back to park several times to verify improved shift effort.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
1L2Z-3Z719-DA BSI Switch


WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
042212A Replace The Brake Shift Interlock Switch (BSI) 0.5 Hr.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
3F770 42

 

[Dice213]

Thanks guys youve been a great help

 

[RIGID82]

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer doing the same thing, Will this information work as well? Anyone have advice, It rolls back when in "park" we moved the linkage up but can't figure out how to adjust it to stay. I believe someone told me it's electronic, not quite sure what that means, Don't know much about the Transmissions.

 

[dads150]

Yes, check the cable bracket. I had the same problem with my 97. I was able to get to it without tearing the dash apart other then the part right above the pedals.

 

[RIGID82]

Thanks for the help Dads150. I'll try that this weekend.

 

[ganixle]

I had similar problem, when I would put it in park it wouldn't engage all the way and the truck would still roll and I wasn't able to select 1st gear. I also had trouble starting it, I usually had to put it in neutral to start.

After completly taring the dash abart I found a loose bracket that holds the shifter cable. You can get to it without taking anything abart, if you stand on your head and look up under the dash it's located above the steering column. Easiest way to find it is to find the shifter cable and follow it, you will need a star bit to tighten the bolt.

A million thanks for this posting. Was having the same problem and had exhausted all possibilities. Took it to a mechanic and was told that he too was having the same problem with his 1999 Explorer...never did get him to take a look at it. I just finished contorting my rather large frame up under the dash, found the loose bracket and managed to tighten it up....works like a champ.

 

[abeceedee]

Thanks. The cable bracket worked for me, too. I am rather large but I managed to screw myself up under the dash and take care of it. Took a T30 torx.

 

[LavJordan]

Does any one have the size of the screw and thread? I looked under my dash today and found that one was completely gone and no where to be found.