sticking shift button

P

Pauls dropped 8

Registered
when my cars been sitting over night and i go to start it in the morning and put it in gear, i have to jiggle the handle to get the shifter out of park. the button doesnt engage until it wants to. what needs to be done to remedy this annoyance.
 
RE: sticking shift button

Is your brake switch working right? Ford's brake switches have a history of being malcontent. From the manual...

Brake-Shift Interlock

A shift interlock mechanism is used on Mark VIII vehicles with an automatic transmission. This is to prevent shifting the transmission out of the PARK position unless the brake pedal is depressed. The system consists of a solenoid assembly attached to the key interlock assembly, a bracket retaining the solenoid, and the necessary wiring. The solenoid is energized when the ignition key switch is turned to the RUN position, locking the shifter in the PARK position. When the brake pedal is depressed and the stoplamp switch is activated, the shift lock solenoid is deactivated and the shifter can be moved out of the PARK position.

I've seen trouble with the harness connection to the brake switch as well. Next time, locate and try to wiggle the brake switch wiring harness while depressing the brake pedal and trying to shift out of park with the e-brake engaged.
 
RE: sticking shift button

this thought never even crossed my mind. im wondering though, how come its only in the mornings? once ive gotten in gear and i shut off the car, i can restart and go with no hassles. it only happens when the cars been sitting for a long period.
 
Could really use an answer to this. I went out their just a minute ago, same thing. I have not gotten my car to move as of yet.
 
Check adjustment of MLPS....perhaps after first use (finally) it'll stay put until it has set for a long time. But I'd do the check noted above first...brake off/on switch. Ford does have a horrible history with them.
 
So can I check this by seeing if my tail light comes on? I don't hear the solenoid activate and release the lock so I am assuming thats what the problem is. This really sucks I have to go to both tech school and college today and this #%*&ing car has left me stranded again. IS there any way to temporarily disable the lock?
 
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Did you do what JP suggested?

"I've seen trouble with the harness connection to the brake switch as well. Next time, locate and try to wiggle the brake switch wiring harness while depressing the brake pedal and trying to shift out of park with the e-brake engaged."
 
God its been a long day today. This was one of those days I knew would be long so anything unexpected just sucks. I wiggled it around with no luck, didn't hear the solenoid release despite the brake being down. My rear tail light is out also so its definitely the switch right?

P.S> to those that search int he future AAP doesn't carry this. You need to get it from the dealer. Not sure what thats going to set me back yet. Of course the dealers are closed because its 7:40 and they close at 6pm.
 
I'd check your fuses.

I've heard of light problems blowing the fuse for the shift interlock.
 
Also.....a quick little helper....if you can't get it out of gear with the car running. Turn the car off, turn the key to the ACC position (no lights on dash) and put the car in Neutral. Once you have the car in N, start it and waallaaah. No problems getting out of park. :D
 
Well Friday I almost cut my finger off machining a velocity stack for a custom chopper. It just missed the tendon. 7 stitches on my thumb as well as a small cut on my wrist and arm. Needless to say I am not much up for working on my car. I bought the replacement switch. $47. I could've made this thing in an hour or so in the machine shop.

When you take off the little yellow cotter pin do you then just force it off with a screwdriver? Does the little shaft its on come out? I don't want to be out there too much and risk an infection or something but at the same time I gotta have my car back.
 
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