1999 Ford Explorer Gear Indicator Stuck

FORD EXPLORER
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LOWRIDER27
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hello. I am having a problem with my column shifter on my 99 Ford Explorer. I recently replaced the gauges and accidently unhooked the cable going to the cluster. I hooked it back up (boy was that a pain) and as I was hooking it back up I heard like a winding noise and now the needle is all the way over to 1 and when I shift gears it doesnt move! Could you please point me in the right direction? I know its hooked up right. Did something break inside maybe? Thanks.
Sep 14, 2006 at 6:27 PM
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NOS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 320 POSTS
DOH ! most certianly dude. if i remember this right there is a plastic tube with a plastic nut on it. it is on the right side and the plastic tube runs under the column to the other side to a plastic pin that a loop hooks on NOW the hook is spring loaded the loop either broke or the peice of tubing brole just to left of the column. in any case it will have to be replaced that little plastic nut is so you can adjust where the needle goes don't you just love em. hope this helps you bud sorry for the humour up above but i just couldn't help myself. that makes one big loop in there but there is a spring on it to make it slide back and forth it has to have something to keep tension on that cable.(NOS) GOOD LUCK you'll need all you can get.
Sep 15, 2006 at 1:14 PM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the broken plastic indicator tube or spring-loaded loop near the steering column, then use the plastic nut to set the needle and restore cable tension.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Ford Explorer reconnected the cluster cable after replacing the gauges, heard a winding noise, and found the gear indicator stuck at 1 and no longer moving with the shifter. The expert said the plastic tube, spring-loaded loop, or nearby tubing likely broke and must be replaced; the plastic nut sets the needle and the spring keeps tension on the cable.

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