Loose column shifter

[davidh9732]

I noticed a few days ago when I shifted gears or try to go to park it would pop out of park or not go into park. Also feels loose has a lot of play. Shifter is on steering column. 1996 ford explorer limited v8 awd. I've asked a few people and was told it was some bolts or clamp like bolts that have come loose. Wanting to know if this is true or anyone know where it is or a pic of where this is? Any help would be appreciated thanks

 

[koda2000]

I noticed a few days ago when I shifted gears or try to go to park it would pop out of park or not go into park. Also feels loose has a lot of play. Shifter is on steering column. 1996 ford explorer limited v8 awd. I've asked a few people and was told it was some bolts or clamp like bolts that have come loose. Wanting to know if this is true or anyone know where it is or a pic of where this is? Any help would be appreciated thanks

yes it's true. there are 2 gold-colored torx bolts that hold the shifter to the column. they tend to come loose and will even fall out. if they are not tightened you will eventually brake the shifter bracket. this is a common problem. i suggest you remove the bolts and apply blue loc-tite to the threads before re-installing them. it will never happen again.

 

[davidh9732]

Awesome thank you. Would you know where to find them or have a pic of the location? Sorry not really car knowledged but if it's something I can do myself I'll do it

 

[ThreeJs]

I watched this last night. It discussed the loose bolts near the end. The info here is great!

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=411007

 

[koda2000]

Awesome thank you. Would you know where to find them or have a pic of the location? Sorry not really car knowledged but if it's something I can do myself I'll do it

by find them, i assume you mean where are they located on the truck...

if you stick your head under the dash, near the gas & brake pedal, and look up with a flash lite to the area where the shift handle is you should see the two gold-colored torx bolts. i think they're size T-30, but i can't swear to that. some find it easier to remove the lower dash panel to see/access the bolts, but others (no doubt younger, thinner and more flexible than me) have been able to get at the bolts without having to remove the lower dash first. you'll need the correct size torx bit and a 3/8's ratchet and extension (and the blue loc-tite).

you may find this link helpful...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=219144

to remove the lower dash panel, there are some small screws (or maybe bolts) along the bottom edge of the plastic panel, 2 of which hold the hood release handle on. once the screws are out, the panel is held in place with metal push-in retainers. pry it out enough to get you fingers behind it and pull and it will pop off. under the plastic trim panel you'll see a metal panel that's held on with four 10mm bolts. remove the bolts and it will come off. then you should have good access to the bottom of the steering column and shifter bolts.