Loose Gear selector lever on column ?

[pkucan]

I have a dressed up 97 Explorer called a Mousekateer(Mountaineer). 160K
My gear selector lever is becoming extremely loose.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Those guys on the Mercury forums never answer anything.
Thanks in advance.

 

[SHOtyme]

Strangely enough this just happened to my 97 Limited this weekend. I don't think that I did anything to cause it but the detents between N and D are really vague now. I'd really like to know how to fix this too.

 

[410Fortune]

You need to take the steering column apart to find th eshifting assembly and cable that leads to the indicator
The shift cable leaves this assembly and goes directly to the transmission.

On more then one gen II explorer I have seen the aluminum shift mechanism break, you need to get in there and look at it to find your loose ness or the broken part.

Start by taking the upper and lower steering column shrouds off, and then the under wheel plastic panel and metal knee guard. From there you will see the 4 large bolts that hold the wheel and tilt mechanism in place.
The shifter is on top of this piece.

good luck!

Also try searching this forum, I am sure you are not the only two Gen II explorer's to have this issue and most likely the solution or common problems have been covered on here.

 

[410Fortune]

after some digging I found this, it might be as simple as two screws:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159678&highlight=shift+indicator

 

[pkucan]

Thanks for the info! As soon as I put back the door panel on my 95 TC after replacing the window regulator and after replacing plugs, rotor, cap and wires and ignition cyl. lock on my daughters 95 Cougar, I'll tackle it.
I'll post what I find out. Thanks again!