Parking and taking the keys out-issue

[Brownpsu78]

It seems that when I park the 2001 Ford Explorer and turn the engine off there’s a difficulty taking the keys out.
I really have to over exaggerate the motion of pulling the car out of drive and putting in the park in order for the keys to come out is there a safety switch it could be worn?
This issue started today.

 

[Brownpsu78]

It’s Lmost like the shifter isn’t quite in the right place

 

[koda2000]

There is an adjustment for the shifter cable where it connects to the transmission. Moving the adjustment may help. Another pretty common problem is that the 2 golden colored torx bolts that hold the shifter on can become loose an even fall out (search "what's this gold colored bolt on the floor?"). If that's your problem, you need to tighten the bolts before you break the shifter mounting. Easy fix once you get your head under the dash far enough.

 

[CDW6212R]

How many miles are on the truck, and how rough has the usage been of the shift lever? The shifting mechanism is a wear item that becomes looser as it wears out, allowing the lever to move farther within each selection. If that might be the issue, you can still buy those shifting parts easily, for under $50. Replacing them takes some time, taking apart the column and dash cover pieces etc. It's not hard, just troublesome to get into the column. There are bushings in there to replace, and the main shifting shaft plus the "tube" it goes through, those are the main components. I replaced those on my 99 many years ago, and it helped a little(it wasn't bad at all really). My Mercury is noticeably more loose with 206k miles now, and I have those pieces to install in it soon. My 98 Limited will need them next, as good maintenance items at the 20 year mark.

 

[Turdle]

check these 2 threads, they might just help you.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...se-gear-shifter-and-what-is-this-bolt.219144/

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...from-under-dash-problem-going-in-gear.266031/

 

[Brownpsu78]

There are only 210k miles in the clock
It was really an all of the sudden there is wayyyy more play type situation
I’m gonna get in there right now

How many miles are on the truck, and how rough has the usage been of the shift lever? The shifting mechanism is a wear item that becomes looser as it wears out, allowing the lever to move farther within each selection. If that might be the issue, you can still buy those shifting parts easily, for under $50. Replacing them takes some time, taking apart the column and dash cover pieces etc. It's not hard, just troublesome to get into the column. There are bushings in there to replace, and the main shifting shaft plus the "tube" it goes through, those are the main components. I replaced those on my 99 many years ago, and it helped a little(it wasn't bad at all really). My Mercury is noticeably more loose with 206k miles now, and I have those pieces to install in it soon. My 98 Limited will need them next, as good maintenance items at the 20 year mark.

 

[koda2000]

If the shifter bolts have gotten loose, it wouldn't hurt to put a little blue Loctite on the threads.

 

[Brownpsu78]

Are the two two gold bolts folks are talking about on top holding the linkage down and in place? Those seem to be there and in place

 

[koda2000]

Are the two two gold bolts folks are talking about on top holding the linkage down and in place? Those seem to be there and in place

I believe there's was a photo of the bolts in the second link Turdle provided. Granted not a very clear pic.

 

[CDW6212R]

Keep looking, you're doing the right thing. Be sure that the bolts you can locate are not loose, that can happen and you'd notice it all of a sudden.

 

[Brownpsu78]

Yep every thing is all tight

 

[Brownpsu78]

It’s not rotating off axis
It’s going much farther in it’s normal movement path
With the panels off I can see it looks like it’s over actuating

 

[Brownpsu78]

My shifter goes into gear just fine
It’s that it doesn’t really recognize it’s in park and let go of the keys
I have to over exaggerate it to get the keys out

 

[Brownpsu78]

My shifter goes into gear just fine
It’s that it doesn’t really recognize it’s in park and let go of the keys
I have to over exaggerate it to get the keys out

 

[CDW6212R]

Look at the shifter lever movement versus the cable movement, which connects to the trans. Check the cable connection at the trans too. You want to know the cable moves evenly with the shifter movement. That's basic stuff, it sounds like something is not firmly attached at the shifter end, the movement there is connected to the key cylinder. I suspect the problem is there at the key cylinder, or the connection of it to the shifter lever.

 

[swshawaii]

Probably won't have any effect on removing your your key from the ignition, but make sure you lubricate ALL lock cylinders on occasion. I have the same issue with ignition key removal once in a while, and flushing the lock cylinder out with WD-40 followed by Tri Flow or a similar Teflon spray lubricant really seems to help. Lock Ease also works well, and is recommended by many locksmiths. Common issue is that some people only use keyless entry, and the door lock cylinders tend to bind up and seize from not being used.

 

[CDW6212R]

Probably won't have any effect on removing your your key from the ignition, but make sure you lubricate ALL lock cylinders on occasion. I have the same issue with ignition key removal once in a while, and flushing the lock cylinder out with WD-40 followed by Tri Flow or a similar Teflon spray lubricant really seems to help. Lock Ease also works well, and is recommended by many locksmiths. Common issue is that some people only use keyless entry, and the door lock cylinders tend to bind up and seize from not being used.

Good thought, especially for the outside key cylinders. The ignition key cylinder is a wear item and at this age, I'd seriously consider replacing it, for any issue related to it.

 

[Brownpsu78]

Update
After not being able to resolve the issue
The shop I use convinced me it needed a new steering column because the linkage goes through the steering column. They said it was a combination of wear on the lever actuator and a worn nuetral safety switch
We used a junk yard unit.
Steering is much tighter now and the lever works great.
My guesstimation is that the actuating mechanism of the lever slowly wore until it reached the point where the neutral safety switch would no longer lineup and release the keys at which point I noticed the issue

 

[CDW6212R]

Good to hear the truck is working right again.

I have to do the work to my steering columns myself soon. I have three trucks with plenty of miles on them, and the new parts handy for one. I think this is becoming more of a problem for vehicles this old. I'll try to do a right up when I get to it this Winter.

 

[Brownpsu78]

The shifts are so crisp now, and the steering seems tighter.