Long time lurker - first time poster.... not new to working on cars/trucks....

I have a 2008 F250 5.4 Auto 4wd that the dash indicator does not light up the P when in park. This is a new issue in the last 2 weeks. The shift lever on the column is in park, the transmission is in park (verified by disconnecting the shift cable and manually actuating the trans), and it lets me shut the truck off and pull the key out but apparently doesn't shut down a computer or something because a brand new battery will go flat in a day or 2 when sitting. The dash indicator lights up correctly for all other positions R-N-D-3-2-1 Its only P that does not light up which is making me think the electronic's don't 'know' they're in park so they don't shut off off something and it stays energized killing the battery. Everything else turns off as you would expect (engine, radio, lights etc)

I've searched far and wide to figure out what sensor controls that and haven't found any definitive information related to the 2008. So - My question is, what sensor controls the shift indicator? is it in the column at the shifter? or at the trans? Is it tied to the Neutral safety switch - and if so, am I correct that this is inside the transmission and not exterior like many other transmissions? Any help is very much appreciated - disconnecting the battery all the time is getting a bit old.

 

For what its worth - if anyone is looking into this in the future. Turns out the solution is Ford part # 7L1Z-3Z719-B Lock Acuator (sometimes also called a lock Solenoid). It's in the steering column and connects to the column shifter. Solved all of the issues above. Once you remove the plastic trim around the steering column you'll be able to access it when you lower the steering column tilt. No need to remove or lower the steering column.

This is part 7L1Z-3Z719-B

it is part #4 in this assembly.