The end of my shifter which is the housing for the overdrive broke so the assembly just hangs by the wires. I used some tape and a clamp to secure it but eventually...it looks like I need to replace the whole shifter since the overdrive assembly appears to be a permanent part of shifter. Does that make sense? Is it expensive and simple to replace the shifter column? Thanks!

 

Had the same problem - the parts aren't that expensive and can be found on Amazon or through Parts Guy Ed. While you're in there, it's a bigger pita - but a common problem - the shift indicators tend to crack, and show incorrect shift position. You can pick those up fairly cheaply too. You'll spend more time than $ on this one.

Something to keep in mind - if you leave it hanging or loose, there is a good chance that the wires will chaff over time - and when one of those small wires ground out through the steel tube of the column shifter, the fuse that it blows also controls your electronic throttle peddle and gauge cluster.

The engine will continue to run - but only idle - ignoring any input from the peddle. Power steering and power brakes become sluggish at idle, so if you're moving at any kind of speed getting the truck stopped may require your full attention. (I was lucky, and happened to be cruising slowly down a back road with a convenient parking lot to pull into.)

Also keep in mind that this is only going to happen while you are actually driving... because the wires won't bounce enough to ground out when the truck is parked...

Also - I did attempt to take the shifter handle apart - only to realize that there isn't an easy way to do it without breaking it. Gluing it back together is not a terribly elegant solution, but served as a temporary fix. (If you try electrical tape - it looks good for the first 30 minutes, and gets nasty the first time the truck is parked in the sun.)

Long story short - it's a relatively cheap and easy fix... but not something you want to ignore. Secure the shifter with tape or glue temporarily for now if anything is dangling, and order the right parts before it's a problem later.

 

Thanks...I have it pretty secure for now with the hose clamp tightened really tight where it is broken. Wires are secure. Just have this unsightly hose clamp with screw on shifter. So the shifter is easy to replace including wiring, i.e., pre-wired/plug in? Cheers.

 

Easy fix and the parts are not expensive. Just replace the entire shifter as a unit - including the O/D button assembly - in one shot.

Parts Guy Ed is retired but White Bear Lake Parts is a good source to get OEM parts from.

2001 FORD F-350 Super Duty Parts - AutoNation Ford White Bear Lake Parts (previously Tousley Ford Parts)

 

Thank you....that's what I'll do!

 

Thank you....that's what I'll do!