Good evening all;

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer with over 100,000 miles. The transmission has had a valve body installed for some flaring problem in shifting but we have had no problems since.

Here is the problem;

I was backing out of a parking spot and was shifting into Drive when I shifted past Drive and into Low 2. I proceeded to correct and move the shifter into Drive when the shifter would not move. It would go into Low 1 but not above Low 2. I limped it home and turned it off. Here is what I found:

1. I disconnected the shift cable from the transmission and shifted the transmisson manual lever to see if it was locked up. I was not and shifted into all the other positions.

2. As the key was locked in the column and now there was no way to restart as it was in Low 2, I dismantled the covers around the steering column and took the plate out from under the steering column just so I could see what was happening.

3. I disconected some assembly from around the shift lever and tried to shift it. I got it to move slowly into Park. I then tried to full range shift it from Park to Low 2. I took some effort but it was doable (Okie term).

4. Since I was finally able to move the shift lever, I decided that it was not the transmission. I shifted the lever into Park, moved the manual shift lever on the transmisson to where the cable end was and connected them. I started the engine, shifted it into Drive and moved the vehicle into the drive way. I shifted it into Park and turned it off.

5. It seemed like the cable was dry and binding somewhere. Does that sound correct to you? Could the cable be lubricated or should it be replaced?

6. Do you think NAPA would have a cable?

Thanks for all replies for they are greatly appreciated.

Terry