HELP: #26 FUSE on AWD '97 Explorer

[neuber]

My AWD '97 Explorer keeps blowing the #26 Fuse.

5R55E/4R7OW
overdrive, DRL
system, backup lamps,
AWD, rear defroster

I have replaced the fuse & tried to eliminate the variables.

The overdrive switch & rear defroster work fine.
I can put the vehicle in reverse & the backup lamps work.
But, if I put the vehicle in DRIVE the fuse blows.

Any thoughts?

 

[swetrid]

You probably have broken wires on the transmission lever. If you remove the steering coulumn sgrouds and inspect the wiring coming out of the lever it grounmds out against the steering column and blows the fuse.

 

[neuber]

Today I replaced the fuse and tried the following:
Turned overdrive on/off & rear defroster switch worked.
With transmission in R, backup lamps turned on.
I selected gear 2 & everything held.
The automatic door locks also worked as we drove off.
At the stop sign, I shifted to (D) and the fuse blew.

How do I take off the steering column cover?
Is it connected to the airbag?
Do I have to do anything special so it doesn't accidentally deploy?

 

[budwich]

perhaps I don't know what I am talking about but I don't think your column has anything to do with it. The selector switch that you are interested in is on the side of your transmission.... normally referred to the transmission range sensor. Follow ye the cable thar and check for a bad connection along the way.

 

[neuber]

IT'S FIXED!

THE PROBLEM

THE FIX

 

[Mustangman66]

Well done...