i wonder if ford has a safety bulletin out about this loose shifter problem, since it appears to effect every make that has a column shifter

edit:

perhaps this thread is sticky able some where? (hint hint nudge nudge)

 

This is such a common problem on Aeros, it should be made a sticky.

 

Is it a common problem? I've never driven a column shifted Aero, so i don't know.

But I know that a lot of people who drive automatics can get lazy when shifting, causing various problems. I know at least one person who consistently did not properly put his shifter into park, after moving to a Ford from a Chevy. It seems that the Ford shift lever required more force to move through the gears, having much stiffer action than the Chevy, whose shift lever was so easy to move that it actually bounce out of gear once when going over a rough road.

 

i tightened the bolts and it fixed the slop but i have a hard time getting it into gear when starting it up the first time. after it goes into gear it's fine the rest of the day ???????? any thoughts ?

 

Without knowing more, I'm guessing that some linkage is not lined up properly. Can you take off the covers on the column to see try to find the interference?

 

thanks, the previous owner has an ignition switch installed, maybe they messed up something in there. i've got to replace the clockspring so i'll be in there soon anyway.it's just kinda weird that it just does it when i first go to drive it.

 

wow, I just found this thread searching for "lose shifter aerostar" in google. went and checked under the steering column and indeed the "linkage" (whatever it is called) held by two screws is very loose. Everything else I read required lowering the steering column, something I'm not willing to mess with for many reasons. Then I found this!! I have to go find the proper TORX or STAR bit to tighten the shifter mechanism 'linkage' and then I'll know if it corrects the problem, but this looks very promising. THANK YOU TO DCRB and girlfriend!

(I checked and it is a sticky).

 

I tightened the two screws today and it fixed the problem!! Saved me from dismantling the steering column, (which would not have fixed it anyway!).

 

For when the shifting problem is not loose screws, go here.

 

Its a great help. my 95150 spent a year getting more and more sloppy. I just need to know were this is on the column.

 

They're inside the truck.

 

Doug

That plate is located on the steering column under the dash.
You have to get on your back on the floor, get under the dash
on the left side of the column and with a flashlight look up
on the top of the column and you will see it. The two you
need to tighten are the Torx screws. Took care of my
problem right away. I can't remember the screw #, but
take a couple with you and you will find it.

Good luck

 

Troutdude said it's T27, but ISTR that it's T30.

 

To avoid having to do this again I'd recommend removing the torx bolts and putting some Blue Locktite on the threads.

I'm sure if this was done from the factory this issue wouldn't exist.

 

I have a vague recollection that they are factory loc-tited. Or maybe that is the replacement bolts that come with a new shifter tube.