I have 1988 Econoline Clubwagon with 351W and auto trans. I drove it around town to a couple of spots and then stopped for gas. When I tried to crank it up the key went to the start position but didn't start. When realeased the key didn't spring back, either. So I jump the solenoid and it started. The shift lever would not shift out of park, though. I loosened the shift linkage underneath and shifted it into drive to get it home. I pulled the steering wheel off and looked around, but I am pretty lost. I can't find a diagram that shows how anything works. I see a cast metal piece inside of a square hole that looks like something broke off of, because it is shiny looking, like when cast metal breaks. I think that piece is supposed to move up and down to lock and unlock the shifter, but i'm not sure. I will take picture later and post it so you can see what part I am talking about. I probably just confused everybody, but I need help.

THANKS!

 

Probably the ignition link broke. Very common problem.

 

It's very easy to remove for inspection.
With the key in the on position look for a small hole in the column about 2" from the "wings" for the lock and about in a line from the bottom-front of the seat. You will see something brass colored in the hole and if the key is in the on position you can press the brass pin which releases the lock and you can pull the lock out of the column.
Looking at the "other end" of the lock there should be a large flat section connected by a round piece to the rest of the lock. If the flat section isn't there it's inside the switch in the column and you'll need to fish it out.
Your ignition is still on and if you have to replace the lock. you need to turn it off-a flat blade screwdriver works good for this. If the lock is in one piece you can just slide it back in (rather than turn it off with the screwdriver). The lock must remain in the on position with the brass pin "in" to go back into the column.
After you re-insert the lock and return the key to the off position the little brass pin will again lock back into the column.
If you have to replace the lock cylinder a locksmith can change the tumblers to match the old key.

HTH

Jim

 

Would the ignition lock, keep it from shifting into gear. I know that you have to have the key in the ON position, to move the shift lever and it seems logical that it could be the cause, but I don't know how any of that works.

 

The ignition cylinder won't cause your problem. It is the ignition link. Ford part #E9TZ 3E715 B unless the part number has changed in the 4 years since I retired. I have changed 100's of them.