Having problems with gears

Tiny
SSEAMAN82
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 FORD WINDSTAR
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
So a few weeks ago I had trouble starting my van. I was told to put it in neutral and it started right up. Now I have to play with the gear shift to start it and put it into drive and shut it off just to park it. Then I have to shift it into park to be able to take my keys out. Its such a hassle. So frustrated with it.
Sunday, September 8th, 2019 AT 1:58 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
This sounds like a transmission range sensor either out of adjustment or faulty. If it has failed, here are the replacement instructions. There is a special tool that needs to be used for final adjustment after replacement, which I have also included a picture of.
Removal
1. Set the parking brake
2. Place the trans-axle range selector lever in neutral.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner assembly.
4. Disconnect the digital transmission range (TR) sensor electrical connector.
5. Disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever.
6. Remove the manual control lever.
7. Remove the digital TR sensor.

Installation
1. Verify that the trans-axle range selector lever is in neutral.
2. Install the digital TR sensor and loosely install the bolts.
3. Using the special tool, align the digital TR sensor
4. Install the manual control lever and nut.
5. Connect the shift cable.
6. Verify that the shift cable is correctly adjusted.
7. Connect the digital TR range sensor electrical connector.
8. Install the engine air cleaner assembly.
9. Check for correct vehicle operation.
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
SSEAMAN82
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Could it be the linkage cable? I was told that as well.
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Monday, September 9th, 2019 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
If I can jump in here. It does sounds like the shift cable is worn out to me. Here are diagrams below to show you how to do the job. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Absolutely, but make sure that the transmission range sensor is reading correctly if you continue to have issues after the cable replacement! You can do that with a scan tool that has the capability to read sensor parameters. I just say that because I have replaced enough range sensors to fill a 50 gallon barrel. Good luck.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
SSEAMAN82
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for the advice. I'm gonna attempt to check it this weekend.
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Awesome! Good luck!
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Thursday, September 12th, 2019 AT 6:54 PM

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