Shift lever interlock not working

[ponkotsu]

This is an Aviator, but I imagine it's the same system as an Explorer. I often can't get the shift lever out of park. Normally you should hear and feel a solenoid engage in the shift lever when you depress the brake lever. Mine often doesn't work and I have to shake the shift lever to get it to work. I've had it apart a couple times and can't seem to figure out what the issue is. I'm sure it's an electrical issue based on how I have to shake or pound the lever to make it work. Anyone dealt with this before?

 

[Vinsanity92]

The only thing that would be the same would most likely be the relay or switch that engages or disengages the lock being that yours is a console shifter on the aviator and we have column shifters on the expy and mounty. The actual lock mechanism most likely is different

I guess first question is maybe check make sure your brake lights are lighting. Maybe it Is as simple as a switch there if not tracing down the wires making sure nothing is pinched frayed chewed or otherwise broken

Me personally I would rip out the lock I don't have one on my truck and it does just fine....... Kinda like the old Chrysler van I learned to drive on haha

Good luck happy new year and hopefully others chime in soon for you

 

[makuloco2000]

If your brake lights work, then it's your brake shift interlock solenoid. I believe its only serviced as part of the shifter. What is bad about these floor shifts is coffee and soda get spilled down in there over rime and make the solenoid stick.

 

[ponkotsu]

If your brake lights work, then it's your brake shift interlock solenoid. I believe its only serviced as part of the shifter. What is bad about these floor shifts is coffee and soda get spilled down in there over rime and make the solenoid stick.

This one had it's share of spills before I got it. Really seems like its electrical though because tapping it makes it go. If it was just stuck, I'd probably hear at least a faint clicking sound, but nothing. I'll tear into this today and hopefully it's just a bad connection. I heard the shifter is pretty expensive.

 

[ponkotsu]

Took it apart today and investigated. There is a sliding PC board contact switch that looks like it wasn't making good contact when in Park. Cleaned it up, brushed it with a little scotchbrite, bent the contact fingers a little for more firm contact and applied dielectric grease. Working fine now. I removed the shifter unit completely for this, but looks like you can actually access it by just removing the side panel from the console.