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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Gear selector adjustment for automatic trans

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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 07:50 AM
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Gear selector adjustment for automatic trans

What is the best way to change the setting of the indicator for gear selection on the 86 automatic transmission? When in forward drive the indicator shows between neutral and Drive position. There seems to be some play in the selector but it still won't locate in the right position. Do you have to remove the dash panel? Thanks, Barry B.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 09:06 AM
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Take the short cover off around the steering column that is right next to the cluster. Once you get that off you should see a plastic tube(usually white in color) with a string in it. Look where the string attaches, it's usually a tab with a slot. You can loosen the screw and slide it back and forth to adjust the needle.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Franklin2
Take the short cover off around the steering column that is right next to the cluster. Once you get that off you should see a plastic tube(usually white in color) with a string in it. Look where the string attaches, it's usually a tab with a slot. You can loosen the screw and slide it back and forth to adjust the needle.
I would say before getting into all that check the shift linkage.
There could be plastic bushings that have fallen apart and has added play to the linkage causing it not to line up.
Dave ----
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
I would say before getting into all that check the shift linkage.

There could be nylon bushings that have fallen apart and has added play to the linkage causing it not to line up.
There could be two or three of these bushings, depending on...if it has a C6 or AOD.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 07:02 PM
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Mine does the same. N=Drive, R=Damn near Park I go by feel, not the PRNDL indicator. Someday I'll get to it
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 07:15 PM
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Originally Posted by WhatsAChevy?
Mine does the same. N=Drive, R=Damn near Park I go by feel, not the PRNDL indicator. Someday I'll get to it
IIRC they have not moved the PRNDL or PRND21 since the early 60's I remember one car had PNRD21


I also go by feel with a lever, have you ever driven a twist gear selector???
HATE THEM!
I put them up there with "push to start" still have to put the key in to unlock the steering!
Dave ----
 
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Old Dec 19, 2016 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
IIRC they have not moved the PRNDL or PRND21 since the early 60's I remember one car had PNRD21


I also go by feel with a lever, have you ever driven a twist gear selector???
HATE THEM!
I put them up there with "push to start" still have to put the key in to unlock the steering!
Dave ----
Yep, along with Chrysler's pushbutton and Corvair's dash lever with no Park.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2016 | 12:26 PM
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You know after I posted I thought of the push button.
I have not been in a corvair to know it had a lever on the dash.

First Gen Dodge vans that had automatic had the shifter mounted on the dash but think it had the normal pattern.
Dave - - - -
 
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