Switch in shifter column.....

[Mbrooks420]

I can't help but to the think the switch itself is somehow important. It's built like a relay almost, with all the plasticy rubbery type of filling. It won't release the key together, apart, together and touching a ground...it's just weird. It does seem like the two blue sensors have a dedicated harness that clips in under the lower column shroud, so who knows. I'm gonna try and pull the whole thing from a junkyard Saturday and see what I see.

I agree it's just a switch. Close the circuit and it should release the key, but nope. I have to pull the ignition switch or the negative battery connection (so definitely electrical)

Did you check it for 12v on the input of the switch?

 

[Lurkin]

What I found out at that switch, is it's not necessary. I had the same issue. Maybe this is the wrong way to go about it, I don't know,

BUT, if you just clip the 2 wires, cap them off, your key will come out. no more issues for me so far

 

[Lurkin]

might save you 80 bucks and a pain in the butt. It did for me

 

[Mbrooks420]

might save you 80 bucks and a pain in the butt. It did for me

Can you shift it without the key?

 

[Lurkin]

Well, i heard that may be the case, but my shifter does not move without the key, in an 02 explorer with those wires being clipped from the switch and capped off

 

[MikeMeaux]

Well, i heard that may be the case, but my shifter does not move without the key, in an 02 explorer with those wires being clipped from the switch and capped off

I tried that too, so now I'm looking at the tumbler with some suspicion

 

[Lurkin]

Just to be clear, mine works just fine just eliminating the switch, and I have had no related issues

 

[Lurkin]

If you were to clip the 2 wires, and connect them together, you would still have the same problem, But, if you just get rid of the switch, at least in my circumstance, it eliminates the problem

 

[MikeMeaux]

I'll be damned if that didn't work. I was assuming the circuit had to be closed, not open, but the key comes right out now. Thanks!

 

[Lurkin]

I thought the same thing and connected them together first, before I figured it out, glad it worked!

 

[richardlm1]

12.17.23
I am also looking for shifter micro switch ABJ19151 Ford Explorer 2002 XLT V8
They are obsolete from Panasonic, and do NOT to have a substitute part for this. I have looked in the junk yards and talked to 20 people or more.
Ford didn't have even a part number, and really didn't care if I found one or not. Its a molded push fit housing switch fitting into a place on the steering column.
This is safety hazard if the right switch is not installed property. I have not found a kit, or any kind of assembly for this problem.
Ford sucks for stuff like this.