problems shifting - automatic transmission

[paul.milne]

I have a 1995 Explorer with 225k miles that is falling apart a little every day.

Several months ago the key broke off in the ignition. I just put the other half in to start it and it hasn't been a problem. However, a month or two later, the shift lever stopped going into park. Again, I didn't worry too much, just put it in neutral to start and when parking I just put the parking brake on. About a month ago I lost the capability to put it in reverse. A pain, but not an unsolvable problem, I just have to be careful where I park so don't have to back out. However, now it is starting to have problems going into drive.

The shift lever appears to have most of its range of motion, but just doesn't seem to want to shift into reverse or drive. I took the dashboard apart and can see the parts moving as I move the lever, but I can't tell what I am supposed to be looking for.

What do I need to do in order to diagnose and fix the problem?

Thanks,

paul

broken key:

ready to start:

 

[imp]

One Thing at a Time

First, the key appears to NOT be a PATS encoded key (Passive Anti-Theft System), thus, if that stub of key turns the lock cylinder, the "guts" are still aligned within it, which will allow any screwdriver-like tool to start the vehicle.

But, second, if it won't move, what good will stealing it do? I would look for the shifting problem down at the transmission, first. Have someone move the shift lever, and see if there is: possible loose bracket on transmission, also watch to see that the Transmission Range Switch, mounted on the left side of the transmission, which is moved by the shift lever's motion, is being moved in coordination with the lever. A possibility also exists the switch, which is adjustable, may have loosened it's mounting screws, and is wiggling around, instead of switching selected positions to tell the computer which initial gear was selected.

Just my thoughts. Let us know............imp

 

[paul.milne]

The key stub is certainly not the only thing that will start it... I have often forgotten the key and turned it on with a wrench handle (kind of screwdriver like). At this point, I'm not sure I have a vehicle that anyone would want to steal (or even could.)

The issue doesn't appear to be at the transmission itself. It seems to be somewhere in the column. The shift lever simply won't shift into position. I can see at the back of the column (still inside the vehicle) the mechanism that pulls the cable, but it doesn't seem to be doing much.

 

[JNN]

I had a problem getting mine in park. Turns out the two bolts at the back of column holding the bracket that attached to the shift cable were loose and one was almost sheared off. Replaced and tightened bolts and has been great since.

 

[paul.milne]

There are a couple of brackets holding it on the column, but they are fine and not impeding any movement, as far as I can tell. It also appears to connect with the cable at the back just fine, but something is stoping it from going through it's full range of motion. I can actually put it in gear by pulling/pushing on the cable. I can make it go into reverse, neutral, and drive by adjusting the cable manually, but the shift lever won't get it there. If the cable were longer, I'd just disconnect it and manually shift through the gears from the cable itself... right now, I'd have to be laying on my back on the driver's floorboard to make that happen... not the best place to be when shifing into drive or reverse.