Help with shift column/ shifter

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Mar 30, 2026 | 09:35 AM

MDHunter

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2022

Posts: 152

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Help with shift column/ shifter

Hopefully the smart guys here can help me with a couple of issues.

2000, F250 Super Duty

A couple of months ago, my steering column shift tube broke, I attributed this to the shift cable which was heavily corroded and extremely stiff.

I replaced the shift tube with a Dorman.

I replaced the shift cable with a Motorcraft

Doing all this I buggered up the shift interlock solenoid; replace with NAPA part.

Now to the issues:

1. While in park, I have to push the shift the shift lever up to be able to remove the key and to start the vehicle.

2. I can start the vehicle without pushing on the brake pedal.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully

Mike

Mar 30, 2026 | 10:43 AM

z31freakify

Hotshot

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 11,266

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From: Las Cruces New Mexico

You have to adjust the shift cable down on the transmission.

Mar 30, 2026 | 11:24 AM

Pikachu

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 6,309

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From: Amarillo, TEXAS!

With transmission in the neutral detent, and the wheels blocked, align (or replace if it's still hard to shift) the DTRS, digital transmission range sensor.

Mar 30, 2026 | 12:00 PM

MDHunter

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2022

Posts: 152

Likes: 56

Gentlemen, thanks for the input, adjusting the shift cable at the neutral safety switch was already done, it's maxed out to one side. And it doesn't address the interlock switch issue.

Respectfully
Mike

Apr 1, 2026 | 12:32 AM

aawlberninf350

It's a Van Gogh

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 7,795

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From: Elk Grove, CA

Just guessing here but...

Follow the cable from trans up to shifter. There is a plastic stop where the shift cable housing is held that tends to break. There are

metal replacements

.

Good luck!

Apr 1, 2026 | 10:32 AM

Eman85

Laughing Gas

Joined: May 2024

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From: E TN

You had the shift tube break? Are you meaning the aluminum rod that runs the length of the column and held by 2 saddles and bushings. If the replacement part is Dorman that might be the first suspect I'd question. The having to move the shift lever up to remove the key, I'd look in the shift lever part of the column for slop/wear.
I don't understand the stepping on the brake pedal to start, the interlock is to make you step on the brake to move the shift lever from Park.
The part linked above is for the shift indicator cable, the plastic piece breaks easily from age but shouldn't affect performance.

Last edited by Eman85; Apr 1, 2026 at 10:33 AM.

Apr 1, 2026 | 10:49 AM

MDHunter

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2022

Posts: 152

Likes: 56

Yes, it was one of the ears on the tube, too much stress from the corroded cable. I do suspect the dorman part, I have a new Motor craft part on hand. I also know that the shift lever interrupt switch is not working properly as I can start the truck and shift w/o stepping on the brake.