Gear Indicator not working
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Richlands, NC
Gear Indicator not working
Hey guys,
In my dash where all the gauges are, my "P R N D 2 1" indicator doesn't work. My truck shifts into gear and anything, but the shifter column is really loose, and the indicator for it doesn't work.
How do I fix it?
Could it have something to do with my backup lights not working?
Thanks!
In my dash where all the gauges are, my "P R N D 2 1" indicator doesn't work. My truck shifts into gear and anything, but the shifter column is really loose, and the indicator for it doesn't work.
How do I fix it?
Could it have something to do with my backup lights not working?
Thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
This is a common problem.The indicators are set up kind of like a hood release cable.There's a little wire inside a plastic tube that runs to the steering column where there is a retainer pin that the wire loops onto.When you pull on the gear selector arm,the column housing moves,and pulls the wire,thus moving the indicator to the desired position.I don't know if the same thing happens to all the indicators,but on my truck the plastic tube had broken,and there wasn't any tension on the wire so when the column moved,the wire moved,but didn't pull the indicator to the right position.Your only option is to pull off the steering column shroud,pull out the cluster and check the indicator which is screwed onto the bottom of the cluster.The only thing I know of to fix it properly is to get another indicator that isn't broken.I tried to run electrical tape on mine,but it eventually stopped working again,so I took it out and put in a manual plate to fill in the selector space.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
The indicator cable is replaceable seperately.
I've heard of some people fixing it with some epoxy like JB weld.
As for the backup lamps not working, check the fuses, and if your fuses are good, check the condition of the backup lamps themselves and the lamp sockets.
The backup lamp switch is located on the transmission itself and is also a part of the NSS (neutral safety switch) that keeps the truck from being started in gear. Make sure tranny fluid and engine oil hasn't fouled the switch. Check connections at the NSS etc...
I've heard of some people fixing it with some epoxy like JB weld.
As for the backup lamps not working, check the fuses, and if your fuses are good, check the condition of the backup lamps themselves and the lamp sockets.
The backup lamp switch is located on the transmission itself and is also a part of the NSS (neutral safety switch) that keeps the truck from being started in gear. Make sure tranny fluid and engine oil hasn't fouled the switch. Check connections at the NSS etc...
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
From: Las Cruces NM
I don't know if the same thing happens to all the indicators,but on my truck the plastic tube had broken,and there wasn't any tension on the wire so when the column moved,the wire moved,but didn't pull the indicator to the right position. ... The only thing I know of to fix it properly is to get another indicator that isn't broken.I tried to run electrical tape on mine,but it eventually stopped working again,so I took it out and put in a manual plate to fill in the selector space.
If I ever find the time to replace the cluster with the junkyard tach-cluster, it'll be history.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Here's a couple pics showing what fordzilla and the others were talking about.
This is the inner line inside the sheathing. The junkyard cut this one to get it out of the truck. It passes through a couple guides and then hooks around a stem on the column.
The good cable from my dash next to the cut cable still installed on the junkyard column.
This is the inner line inside the sheathing. The junkyard cut this one to get it out of the truck. It passes through a couple guides and then hooks around a stem on the column.
The good cable from my dash next to the cut cable still installed on the junkyard column.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
Now, my question is, which trans do you have, as there are two different types of these indicators.
No C4's after 1981, 1985 F150 could have a C5 (modified C4), C6 or an AOD. I'm ruling out AOD because it doesn't match the shift pattern you posted.
EOTZ-7A110-B .. Shift Indicator Dial / Available from Ford / 1980/81 F100/150 C4, 1980/86 F100/350 C6, 1982/86 F100/150 C5.
MSRP: $77.83 / FTE Ford Dealer Parts Dept sponsor tousleyfordparts.com price: $51.37 / Tousley Ford ~ White Bear Lake MN
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