I'm back again for more knowledge. The shift indicator on my '98 2WD F150 has had some play in it for some time and I never got around to look into it further. Granted its a small issue but a nuisance to me as **** as I am. I find myself constantly playing with the lever to get the needle right where it should be, centered on the proper gear. Recently the needle went from being slightly off position (about halfway between letters) to being off by a complete gear (although truck is D the needle is on 2). Now this is really going to drive me nuts, not to mention screw anyone else up royally if they had to drive my truck (which rarely happens). I took the column apart and investigated. I found a broken and out of place plastic bushing on the shift shaft which rotates when lever is adjusted. I moved the bushing back into place which took up the slop in indicator until I can replace it completely.

Main question is....how do I go about correcting the indicator position? I see a cable which contains small string/wire inside which connects to the indicator needle, assuming it is responsible for pulling the needle to the left while the spring attached pulls it to the right. Hope I am making sense. Any special tools or steps need to be taking to correct/fix?? Thanks again!

 

Your on the right track...pull the lower dash bezel(under the steering column) and locate the hook that the string attaches to...there should be a threaded ferrell on the assembly that the string goes through. Loosen,or tighten the ferrell,and watch the needle as you do. This should fix it. If however it doesent,I suspect the string has become stretched,and will require replacement of the whole cable/string assy.

 

Excellent...thanks for the guidance. I'll tear into it this weekend and let you know how it goes. Hopefully just a quick adjustment is neccessary.

 

Well, the problem with the indicator cable was that the bracket at the adjustment end of cable was broken, so matter how much I adjust the ferrule it does nothing since the bracket does not hold tension on the cable. So had to order the whole cable and indicator assembly....$30. Should get in next week and then install. I don't foresee much problem with that, this problem should be licked.

 

I was kind afraid of that,I suspect that at some time in the past someone has removed the instrument cluster,and forgotten about the bracket/ferrell,and string.A good jerk will break it loose...and I do mean break it loose.Problem is its so far up under the dash that most dont take the time to pull the lower panel to see whats going on.
Last time I removed my cluster,I had forgotten about the locking mech for the Headlight switch assy,tried to pry it out,and broke the S==t out of it. Luckily I found all the pieces,and was able to put it back together.

FYI... when you do remove the cluster,this little locking mech(at least on my 97) is a spring loaded plastic rod that runs the length of the assembly.You MUST get to the back of it,and find the hole that allows you to insert a screwdriver into it,and push toward the steering column..this is while youre pulling on the assembly itself.Once this plastic rod(thats inside the switch assy) is activated,the whole assy will come out,and you just unplug the connector.

 

Well, now that you mention it. I was in the cluster back in Feb. replacing some burnt out bulbs and doing some cleaning. So the jerk is prolly me, since I did not detach the cable, and believe me, wasnt easy changing bulbs with cable still attached but I was able to do it. Thing is, the indicator was loose for some time before that but didnt really go bad until few weeks ago. I am sure my meddling back in Feb. didnt help situation. Go figure, you try and fix one problem and start another one.

Were your instructions about the cluster removal referring to the indicator assembly removal?

 

Well, it was for part of the cluster removal.My 97. requires the headlight switch assy be removed to get the cluster out.Yours may not.I was just throwing that in in case yours does need to be removed as mine did.
The cluster removal is pretty straight forward,and since you have had it out before,you should be good to go.Just remember to unhook the shift indicator cable(or whats left of it) first.....To ease your mind.....,these little plastic assemblies are fragile,and easily broken.Ive almost totalled mine myself!

 

Job is completed! Received the new indicator assembly today. I only needed the small plastic bracket out of the whole kit so I have brand new indicator and cable which I don't need. So no need to remove cluster etc. Just loosened up broken bracket, removed cable, inserted cable into new bracket and fastened down then adjusted the indicator. So a lot easier than replacing whole assembly. Also replaced one of the shifter shaft sleeves which wore out and allowed some wiggle. Thanks for your assistance! On to the next project on my list.

 

I had the same problem a while back. Ferral was broken too. Adjusted it so the needle was in the right position and used a small zip tie to hold in place. Been OK for last two years like that.