98 Ford Expedition - shift lever stuck in Park - ignition issue.
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Trailering
Joined: Feb 2022
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98 Ford Expedition - shift lever stuck in Park - ignition issue.
My shift lever has been stuck in park and I've been trying to figure out what's causing the issue. I had to disconnect the shift link cable from both ends and pull the shift lock actuator out of the way before I discovered it has something to do with the ignition. If I pull down on the shift lever while putting my key in and rotating it forward to the run position all of a sudden it is able to move through the whole gear selection area.
Does this mean the ignition module needs to be replaced or would it be something else further into the steering column? I'm surprised that the ignition itself gets in the way of the shift lever.
Does this mean the ignition module needs to be replaced or would it be something else further into the steering column? I'm surprised that the ignition itself gets in the way of the shift lever.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 341
Likes: 187
My shift lever has been stuck in park and I've been trying to figure out what's causing the issue. I had to disconnect the shift link cable from both ends and pull the shift lock actuator out of the way before I discovered it has something to do with the ignition. If I pull down on the shift lever while putting my key in and rotating it forward to the run position all of a sudden it is able to move through the whole gear selection area.
Does this mean the ignition module needs to be replaced or would it be something else further into the steering column? I'm surprised that the ignition itself gets in the way of the shift lever.
Does this mean the ignition module needs to be replaced or would it be something else further into the steering column? I'm surprised that the ignition itself gets in the way of the shift lever.
The shift lock is combined with the key cylinder. If you turn the key to release the lock, it unlocks the the column. You are pressing the brake pedal aren't you? If the brake light switch is bad, or going out, it won't tell the interlock to release the shifter. This is a safety device descended from the early 1970's when Fords had a bad habit of sometimes slipping into reverse while idling. I had a 1973 Maverick that I was warming it up one winter and it took off on me.
My '04 Expedition will sometimes lock the key where it won't turn. The locking sprag is sometimes the culprit there. If you pull in at an angle and shut the ignition off then release the steering wheel, it will try to straighten but the lock will hold it. The pin will engage on the sprag but the pressure won't let it release. You can sometimes get it to release by rocking the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key. I taught that to my niece when I was teaching her to drive. She gave me the dirtiest look but the lesson took.
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