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1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis Econolines. E150, E250, E350, E450 and E550

Stuck in neutral

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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 05:44 PM
  #1  
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EagleFreek
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Stuck in neutral

I stopped for lunch in my 89 E250 with 351/AOD and was getting ready to head to my next door install. I turned the key and engine didn't turn over. Heard the fuel pump and dash lights came on. So I ran the shifter to low and back to park and still nothing. Decided to try neutral and still nothing. Turn off ignition while still in neutral and now it's stuck there. It removed the steering wheel and took apart some of the steering column in the parking lot but didn't get down to the where the shifter attaches and wound up having it towed home. Anyone have any suggestions? Not worried about the no start, might just be battery connection. Just need to figure out the problem with the shifter stuck in neutral.
I guess my van is a little heavy.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 06:16 PM
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I'll assume your van has mechanical shift linkage from the column lever to the transmission itself? If so maybe set the parking brake and disconnect the linkage from the transmission and see if either can be hand operated then. If the column shifter still doesn't work there is something broken or out of adjustment inside the column.

I'd think given that year plenty of used complete columns are available for a quick swap. You'd have a spare column that could be dissaembled, inspected and repaired as needed just in case.

I had an '88 with incredibly sloppy and worn linkage but never experienced this same condition.

You in the glass or glazing biz? I replace windshields, self employed!
 
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 08:35 PM
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I think I may have to go the route of a used column. Unfortunately I don't know when I can get to the junkyard. I'm in the residential door business. I picked up a 2 month install contract at a local military base so I don't need my van except for a couple doors that were previously ordered. I have a 16' garage door hanging out the back and it's raining really heavy right now. Just great.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 04:23 PM
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If time is tight maybe look for LKQ Online as a website---they're a nationwide outfit with affiliates everywhere. If you have one local they can transfer something in and notify you when its arrived. They'll also ship, have a computerized inventory and tend to know their business.

Good luck with this and your business too---sucks to be without a much needed vehicle at busy times!
 
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