No crank no start, the shift cable and shift interlock solenoid broke?

Tiny
REMINEX3232
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 FORD ESCAPE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
The shift cable and shift interlock solenoid broke. Both have been replaced. The car is in park now although it was stuck in drive before the repair. Car will crank and run fine if I jump the starter solenoid but doesn’t even try to crank otherwise. Checked and replaced any fuse or relay that mentioned “starter”. The car sat up for a while before the repairs we made but I checked for mouse damage and couldn’t find any.
Monday, July 31st, 2023 AT 5:04 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,495 POSTS
It sounds like the adjustment is off, please hold the key in the crank position and move the gear selector throughout the gear range to see if the starter kicks on. Here is how to adjust the shift cable in case you need it and I have included the starter wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works.

This guide may help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
REMINEX3232
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  • 6 POSTS
This is the info I need! Would it be safe to assume the ignition switch can be ruled out? If the key is in on position it will crank when I bypass starter solenoid. If the key is off, it will not crank. Would that tell me anything else I could rule out?

I’m leaning towards a problem with the installation of those replaced parts. The mechanical switch at gear shifter works. When I change gears, I can hear a noise around the key switch. I tested it with multimeter, and it opens and closes properly when I move from reverse to park.
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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 5:15 PM
Tiny
REMINEX3232
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  • 6 POSTS
If the shift cable is off, I guess it doesn’t put the lever arm on the transmission in the right spot to crank? When the cable is not attached, I can place that arm to park position, then I can push it a little further, but it is spring loaded to return to park.
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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,495 POSTS
Yes, this is true, can you move the shifter and get it to crank over, you can use the wiring diagrams above to see where you are losing the signal to the starter.
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Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 AT 10:18 AM
Tiny
REMINEX3232
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  • 6 POSTS
Moving the shifter doesn't allow it to crank over. The switch in the shifter is testing good in the park position. It has continuity.

As far as all the other tests I’m trying to work through them. When I check all the wires going into the PCM, am I testing for voltage to ground? Are any of those test continuity test? That is what’s holding me back from testing, but I’ll get back on it today.

When I test the relay seat, I get 12 volts at terminal 3. Terminal 1, 2, 5 all have continuity to ground. So I assume I just need to trace back from there to see why positive voltage isn’t being supplied to one of those terminals?
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Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
REMINEX3232
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, I found a video online that lays the test procedure out. What I have found is that either the ignition switch or the ignition housing is worn too much to allow a full crank. I removed the ignition switch and turned it with a screwdriver and the car fired right up. This also reminded me that I had a locksmith replace the lock cylinder shortly before the shift cable broke. I should have replaced the entire ignition housing when I had the cylinder replaced. I probably ruined the housing after trying to crank it a thousand times not realizing the shift cable was broken and the car was actually stuck in drive.

Of course, the shift cable only broke because the interlock solenoid froze up. Hopefully this will soon be finished, and I will return to let you know. Thanks 2CarPros. Com for the help!
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Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 AT 10:26 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,495 POSTS
It sounds like you have found the problem! Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Friday, August 4th, 2023 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
REMINEX3232
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  • 6 POSTS
I replaced the ignition harness. Problem solved! Thanks guys!
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Saturday, August 5th, 2023 AT 7:21 AM

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