Common questions

How does a column gear shift work?

How does a column gear shift work?

A small electrical solenoid actuates on the steering column or floor shifter when the key is on and the brake is depressed, freeing the shift lever so it can be moved. In the case of a column shift, when the shift handle is pulled down, the detents can be felt in each gear.

What is a column shift gear?

A column shift is a gearshift lever mounted on the steering column. The gearbox is automatic, and controlled by a column shift mounted in the side of the steering column. On vehicles equipped with automatic transmission, you will have to disconnect the transmission shift rod from the steering column shift lever.

Why is my column shifter not working properly?

As you can see there is excessive play in the column shifter linkage, either making it hard to select a gear, not allowing gears to properly engage, having issues engaging park, and also not activating the safety switch when in park.

How to repair a loose Ford column shifter-common issue?

Video tutorial on how to repair a common issue amongst may Ford trucks which causes sloppy or loose column shifter linkage. This particular truck is a 1998 Ford Ranger, but this issue can be found on similar generation F series trucks as well. This is an extremely easy fix and the only item required for the repair is thread locker.

How can I get my Ford truck to shift into gear?

Set the parking brake, remove the key from the ignition and leave the shifter in Park. Look underneath the steering column and locate the plug on the bottom of the steering column cover, just to the shifter side of center. Remove the plastic cover using a flat head screwdriver.

Why does my shift shifter not move through gears?

I’d suggest checking the shift linkage on the transmission to see if the cable came off. This is due to the connector end bushing falling apart and not being able to hold the cable on any longer. Some cables have to be replaced as a whole and as with others the bushing can be replaced to fix the cable.

Video tutorial on how to repair a common issue amongst may Ford trucks which causes sloppy or loose column shifter linkage. This particular truck is a 1998 Ford Ranger, but this issue can be found on similar generation F series trucks as well. This is an extremely easy fix and the only item required for the repair is thread locker.

As you can see there is excessive play in the column shifter linkage, either making it hard to select a gear, not allowing gears to properly engage, having issues engaging park, and also not activating the safety switch when in park.

What does it mean when gear shift won’t go into Park?

Gear shift on the column won’t go into Park. Discussion in ‘ Transmission & Drive train ‘ started by Taz24, Apr 15, 2013 . So when I say it won’t go into Park I mean the lever will go all the way up but it will not engage Park, You can just feel it not go in.

Why is my Ford F-250 not going into gear?

A truck that can’t get into gear is almost always a mechanical issue. Figure out what’s keeping your F-250 Super Duty from getting into gear below. This article applies to the Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014). There are few things more frustrating than being out and about in a Super Duty when it suddenly refuses to go into gear.

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Ruth Doyle