Sloppy Gear Shift Lever-Automatic
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
I had (have) the sloppy lever problem. Swapped out the bushings and shift tubes. That took out about 3/4 of the slop, still a bit left. I'll be replacing the shift lever (overdrive wires were cut by previous owner, and the switch and end are busted). Hopefully that takes out the last of the slop - if not, I'll try a bit of a shim, say a slip of brass on the flat part of the end of the lever.
The shifting is bit stiff, though It almost feels like the cable from the bottom of the shift tube to the tranny is worn. Do that cable ever get replaced? Or just live with it? It's not terrible, but it would be nice to have it smoother.
The shifting is bit stiff, though It almost feels like the cable from the bottom of the shift tube to the tranny is worn. Do that cable ever get replaced? Or just live with it? It's not terrible, but it would be nice to have it smoother.
Trailering
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
I didn't see any suggestions to help the tightness of moving the lever into gear.
I tried to lube the nylon/rubber bushing, but that didn't help. I will go after the two torx bolts to see if that helps. I can see that helping the excessive play, but will it solve the tightness of moving the shift lever into gear?
Has anyone had to replace the cable in order to make moving the lever smoother?
This is my main complaint.
I tried to lube the nylon/rubber bushing, but that didn't help. I will go after the two torx bolts to see if that helps. I can see that helping the excessive play, but will it solve the tightness of moving the shift lever into gear?
Has anyone had to replace the cable in order to make moving the lever smoother?
This is my main complaint.
Trailering
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
After I posted this, i decided to do some troubleshooting. After taking enough parts off and lubricating others, I determined the issue to be the neutral safety switch.
Yes, the switch.
The stub coming out of the transmission was rusty, causing the switch to bind. I ordered a new switch, pry'd the old one off (damaging it of course) and after some filing, sanding and scraping, I removed all the rust. Repainted it with Rustoleum for protection and wvoola. (is that how you spell it?) It shifts like a dream!!!
Yes, the switch.
The stub coming out of the transmission was rusty, causing the switch to bind. I ordered a new switch, pry'd the old one off (damaging it of course) and after some filing, sanding and scraping, I removed all the rust. Repainted it with Rustoleum for protection and wvoola. (is that how you spell it?) It shifts like a dream!!!
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 705
Likes: 12
From: Taxachusetts
To find the torx bolts lie down face up under the steering wheel (bring a flash light). While wiggling the shifter follow the tube you will see a coupling with 2 gold torx screws that are the culprits
New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Slop gone! Total repair time: 5 minutes
I finally got around to fixing my ‘sloppy’ automatic gear shift lever after it decided to jump out of park a couple of times and rolled …
It turns out that the fix was exactly whatFord-Trucker84537 suggested: 2 loose Torx screws. In fact both were backed out several turns. They are T-30 Torx, the screw heads face the firewall, and are located under the dash and above the steering shaft.
Thanks for saving me time and aggravation. (I was going to try readjusting the shift cable down at the transmission first!)
It turns out that the fix was exactly whatFord-Trucker84537 suggested: 2 loose Torx screws. In fact both were backed out several turns. They are T-30 Torx, the screw heads face the firewall, and are located under the dash and above the steering shaft.
Thanks for saving me time and aggravation. (I was going to try readjusting the shift cable down at the transmission first!)
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro
dang.. I love this site.. been dealing with this issue for some time.. scary to have it not get into park.. then have to put it in nuetral to start..
off to ford to buy all the things.. or see if they got them.
thanks to all once again.
off to ford to buy all the things.. or see if they got them.
thanks to all once again.
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