Hello all, i joined awhile back, but lost my computer to damage and my old username and password so i rejoined. Thanks in advance for any help and for past help i've received from all the great members here. I have a 1997 F150 Lariat 4x4 with 4.6 liter engine. What a great truck. Over the last few weeks i've noticed that when i go to leave in the morning or anytime of the day, sometimes i have trouble getting the gear selector to move out of park and into reverse or drive. As i tried to leave for work this morning , the truck started fine, but was locked in park. After several minutes i gave up and turned the truck off. i then noticed a burnt electrical smell outside of the truck. My problem is that i can't even get it out of my small garage to even have it towed or looked at. I called my local mechanic and he said to check the switch down by the brake pedal, but all the wires are fine. I also checked the fuse under the dash that is the brake- shift fuse and it was fine. Anybody ever experience this or heard of it? I'm screwed for getting to work and i use my truck every day at work. Please help... i'm desperate. thanks ... james

 

Does your gear selector have a lot of play in it?

 

Hi Dan, no , no real noticeable play. I did discover a blown fuse under the dash. A 15 amp , which i replaced, and as soon as i replaced it, smoke started pouring out from under the hood. I opened the hood to discover that the switch that plugs into the top of the master cylinder was melted and fried, and was the source of all the smoke. Gonna call around today to see if i can find anything out. Thanks for your help... James

 

Call your dealer with the VIN and have them check to see if the safety recall for the cruise control has been done. If not, get it over there right away for them to fix this problem before the truck goes up in smoke!! Good luck!

 

If the recall hasn't been done, disconnect the electrical plug on the top of the master cylinder immediately. Your sysmptoms sound like the crusie switch on the master cylinder may have failed. If that's what it is, it can cause a fire. If you get the recall done, it might fix the rest of the problem too.

If the recall has already been done, I'd guess that the brake pedal switch has failed internally.

 

Yep, it needs the cruise recall done. That switch diaphragm has failed and has brake fluid in the switch. Unplug it until you get the truck to the dealer asap. Also, turn the key just past off to where the steering wheel unlocks, and you should be able to take the truck out of park.

 

Hello everyone, it is as you said, the switch on top of the master cylinder melted and almost started a fire. I have disconnected it and will talk to a dealer about getting it fixed. Thank you once again for the great help on this forum.... James