Steering linkage broke?
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Portland OR
This might be too late, but try the junk yard first. There is a bunch of Aerostar there. The shifter arm should be less than $10.
The bushing in my column were worn enough to cause the steering wheel to move sideways in the column. I grab a column from the U pull-it for $25 (make sure there is a key so you can remove the ignition). The only issue was that who ever removed the air-bag had just yanked it out, ripping out the wires from the clock spring. The '96 coulmn fits perfectly into the 92' (The 96 clock sping had a different plug for the orange/grey and white/grey wires under the dash).
Junkyard is a good way to go.
The bushing in my column were worn enough to cause the steering wheel to move sideways in the column. I grab a column from the U pull-it for $25 (make sure there is a key so you can remove the ignition). The only issue was that who ever removed the air-bag had just yanked it out, ripping out the wires from the clock spring. The '96 coulmn fits perfectly into the 92' (The 96 clock sping had a different plug for the orange/grey and white/grey wires under the dash).
Junkyard is a good way to go.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: brooksville, florida
Hell glad my shifter is on the floor, if the dash is anything like my 1991 F150 it is not really that bad a job, I took it out after it caught fire and replaced it with one from a junk yard as I recall it was only about 6 bolts and some wire and cable connections.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
So did you ever get this fixed? Do you have any tips on fixing this?
My sisters 96 (4.0 auto trans) shifter has done the same as yours, and it's sitting a couple miles down the road at a gas station. The shifter moves freely from R to 1st/low, but doesn't want to go in to Park and will not start.
Do you guys think I can shift it in to park from the trans underneath to get it started, and then get it in drive the same way to get it home, or will I have to tow it?
My sisters 96 (4.0 auto trans) shifter has done the same as yours, and it's sitting a couple miles down the road at a gas station. The shifter moves freely from R to 1st/low, but doesn't want to go in to Park and will not start.
Do you guys think I can shift it in to park from the trans underneath to get it started, and then get it in drive the same way to get it home, or will I have to tow it?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: brooksville, florida
Hi there, yes you can shift from under the van if it is the same as my 1991 4.0 v6 which I think it is. The shifter selector is on the drivers side of the tranny, you would need another person to sit in the van with the brake on, you should be able to move the selector fork with your hand either with the engine running or with it of, just be carefull while under the van and make sure the other person has the brake on. Oh just a thought but if it is stuck in drive it will not start anyway, you will have to take it out of drive first.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Good news! The sensor is in the trans, so when I took the pliers and shifted it in Park, it fired up, and then I put it in Drive and got it home. Now I can tear in to it when I'm off work this weekend and fix this POS linkage!
Thanks for the tips/read on this all!
Thanks for the tips/read on this all!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey, New Jersey
Actually in addition to the neutral safety switch their is another safety measure the sensor that prevents you from moving the linkage when the brake isn't depressed is there is a solenoid that actuates only when you apply the brake its connected via the brake light switch.
Here is a breakdown of the steering column.
Here is a breakdown of the steering column.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Well....
I dropped the steering colum down so I could see and it looks like the shifter on the steering works fine, but I feel no clicking in to P, R, N, D, 2, 1. Also, the shifter moves freely until you get it near P, and R. It doesn't see to want to move in to park.
My question is, do you all think the shifter cable is broke since it moves freely and doesn't shift the trans, or is there something broke/come loose else where?
I dropped the steering colum down so I could see and it looks like the shifter on the steering works fine, but I feel no clicking in to P, R, N, D, 2, 1. Also, the shifter moves freely until you get it near P, and R. It doesn't see to want to move in to park.
My question is, do you all think the shifter cable is broke since it moves freely and doesn't shift the trans, or is there something broke/come loose else where?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, Va
DOHC330MustangGT - sorry, haven't visited this thread in awhile. Yes, bought part at Ford dealer, $20. Installed it myself, running fine. I have the most limited mechanical abilities, but financial conditions dictated a DIY, so I was overjoyed at my success.
A hearty thank you for everyone that posted and your help!
Chris
A hearty thank you for everyone that posted and your help!
Chris
