Transmission selector
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 332
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From: NH
Transmission selector
I am looking at a used 2003 X with a 140k miles. The truck is very clean and seems mechanically sound. This will be my third X! The only problem I found is the trans selector is difficult to move. Once driving the trans seems fine. No leaks anywhere. I beleive this is cable actuated? Is this something minor or should I run away? 
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: NH
Pics to follow.Toreador been well! Nice to see you again. I will try and be more active.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: NH
So I removed the the two bolts and electrical connection. The trans is in neutral ( e-brake on, wheels chocked ) but I cannot get the old switch off. Do I have to remove the cable from the bracket? I tried gently prying on it but it doesn't want to move.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,734
Likes: 2,661
From: SE Florida
Did you remove the nut at the center that holds the shift cable on? Don't remove the cable from the lever, remove the lever from the trans.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: NH
Got it. The old one needed a little heat to get it off. It was seized on. I never took the cable off. Everything is working and this did solve the initial problem! Thanks again everyone. $50 later and it shifts like new. Wonder that would have cost me at the dealer. 
I also checked the two torx bolts and they were also slightly loose.
I also checked the two torx bolts and they were also slightly loose.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
From: Country
F7TZ7F293AA I believe this is the correct number. I am getting ready to order this and a shift cable. Does the cable need to be disconnected to change the switch?
I asked about "hard to shift" problems before, but no one replied like this, so I am glad to finally know where my problem is!
Thanks again,
Garry
I asked about "hard to shift" problems before, but no one replied like this, so I am glad to finally know where my problem is!
Thanks again,
Garry
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,734
Likes: 2,661
From: SE Florida
No, the cable doesn't have to be disconnected to change the switch.
Chock the wheels, set the parking brake, and leave the trans in neutral. Find the switch on the driver's side of the trans. Remove the nut that holds the shift lever to the trans. It's in the middle of the switch. Remove the lever. Leave it dangle on the shift cable. Unplug the wiring harness. Remove the two bolts that hold the switch to the trans. Remove the switch. It may be stuck and need some prying.
Put the new switch on the trans. There is an alignment mark in the center part that rotates. Align that with the corresponding mark on the body of the switch. Tighten the two bolts that hold it on. Plug the wiring harness in. Put the lever back on and install the nut.
All done!
Chock the wheels, set the parking brake, and leave the trans in neutral. Find the switch on the driver's side of the trans. Remove the nut that holds the shift lever to the trans. It's in the middle of the switch. Remove the lever. Leave it dangle on the shift cable. Unplug the wiring harness. Remove the two bolts that hold the switch to the trans. Remove the switch. It may be stuck and need some prying.
Put the new switch on the trans. There is an alignment mark in the center part that rotates. Align that with the corresponding mark on the body of the switch. Tighten the two bolts that hold it on. Plug the wiring harness in. Put the lever back on and install the nut.
All done!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
From: Country
No, the cable doesn't have to be disconnected to change the switch.
Chock the wheels, set the parking brake, and leave the trans in neutral. Find the switch on the driver's side of the trans. Remove the nut that holds the shift lever to the trans. It's in the middle of the switch. Remove the lever. Leave it dangle on the shift cable. Unplug the wiring harness. Remove the two bolts that hold the switch to the trans. Remove the switch. It may be stuck and need some prying.
Put the new switch on the trans. There is an alignment mark in the center part that rotates. Align that with the corresponding mark on the body of the switch. Tighten the two bolts that hold it on. Plug the wiring harness in. Put the lever back on and install the nut.
All done!
Chock the wheels, set the parking brake, and leave the trans in neutral. Find the switch on the driver's side of the trans. Remove the nut that holds the shift lever to the trans. It's in the middle of the switch. Remove the lever. Leave it dangle on the shift cable. Unplug the wiring harness. Remove the two bolts that hold the switch to the trans. Remove the switch. It may be stuck and need some prying.
Put the new switch on the trans. There is an alignment mark in the center part that rotates. Align that with the corresponding mark on the body of the switch. Tighten the two bolts that hold it on. Plug the wiring harness in. Put the lever back on and install the nut.
All done!
New User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5
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Trying to remove the switch
Hi all,
First let me thank you all for the help and guidance you all post on here. I just bought an 2000 Excursion 7.3L and I am trying to replace this sensor. I can't get the darn thing off. I saw everyone posted saying to take the nut off the middle bolt but mine doesn't seem to be like that. The shifter arm and cable are behind the switch. How did OP get his switch off since his picture looks exactly like my setup. Are there keys that need to be removed to get the switch to slide off? Any help is greatly appreciated.
First let me thank you all for the help and guidance you all post on here. I just bought an 2000 Excursion 7.3L and I am trying to replace this sensor. I can't get the darn thing off. I saw everyone posted saying to take the nut off the middle bolt but mine doesn't seem to be like that. The shifter arm and cable are behind the switch. How did OP get his switch off since his picture looks exactly like my setup. Are there keys that need to be removed to get the switch to slide off? Any help is greatly appreciated.