need help
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Joined: Aug 2012
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need help
My '2000 Ford Explorer XLT will only shift into drive when it is started in neutral. Why is this and how can I fix this??? PLEASE HELP!!!!!! This is every time it is put into park you have to turn it off and turn back on while in neutral!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Since you don't mention any difficulty shifting to neutral from park, I don't think the issue is the brake interlock switch. It sounds like the most likely issue is related to the Park/Neutral Safety Switch, often called by Ford the Transmission Range Sensor or Digital Transmission Range Sensor. I suspect either the sensor is slightly out of sync so that it's not quite getting the proper signal when in Park but is close enough that Neutral still works, or the switch has failed and the contacts for Park are worn.
These can be pretty easy to test with a test light or multimeter and wiring diagram for the circuit.
-Rod
These can be pretty easy to test with a test light or multimeter and wiring diagram for the circuit.
-Rod
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,069
Likes: 17
From: Melbourne, Ky
Just found this thread. That is weird as I never heard of this situation. If it starts in Park, it won't shift out, but if you start it in neutral, it will shift into different gears. Hopefully someone else will chime in on this.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Check to see if your brake lights work. There is a shift interlock solenoid that will prevent shifting from park unless your foot is on the brake pedal. It's apparently pretty common for the original brake pedal switch and connector to fail, so much so that they have redesigned the replacement switch and connector. Since if the vehicle stalls while driving they want the driver to have the ability to shift to neutral, restart, then shift back in to drive, the interlock does not apply to the neutral gear position.
If your brake lights are not working, chances are pretty good the brake pedal switch is the issue. I found a replacement with wiring harness pigtail at O'Reilly Auto Parts for less than $20 and it was in stock for my 2004 Aviator. That was quite a bit less expensive than some of the competing local stores wanted for the same switch and pigtail.
-Rod
If your brake lights are not working, chances are pretty good the brake pedal switch is the issue. I found a replacement with wiring harness pigtail at O'Reilly Auto Parts for less than $20 and it was in stock for my 2004 Aviator. That was quite a bit less expensive than some of the competing local stores wanted for the same switch and pigtail.
-Rod
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,263
Likes: 92
From: BC Canada
ROD<
I may be mistaken, but as I understand her issue... The truck will start in P and she is able to move the shift lever, but the transmission will not actuate any gear.
If started in N the transmission will pressure up and drive.. Philip
I may be mistaken, but as I understand her issue... The truck will start in P and she is able to move the shift lever, but the transmission will not actuate any gear.
If started in N the transmission will pressure up and drive.. Philip
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 180
If the truck starts in park, but when you put your foot on the brake and try to shift into gear and it wont go... im betting on the brake pedal switch also.
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