A/T - Shift Lever Stuck in PARK Position/Loose Knob

Article No.
03-24-3

12/08/03

TRANSMISSION - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR
SELECTOR LEVER STUCK IN PARK, UNABLE TO
SHIFT INTO PARK - OVERDRIVE FUNCTION
INOPERATIVE

FORD:
2003 MUSTANG

ISSUE
Some 2003 Mustang vehicles with an automatic transmission may exhibit the following gear selector lever conditions:

^ Gear Selector Stuck In Park

^ Unable To Shift Into Park

^ Loose Gear Selector Knob

^ Gear Selector Release Button Loose Or Missing

^ Overdrive Function Inoperative

^ Repeat Overdrive Cancel Fuse Failure

ACTION
To service, reposition the shift knob on the gear selector shaft. It will also be necessary to replace the gear selector release button and the overdrive (OD) switch. Refer to the following service procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Remove the shifter top control panel following Workshop Manual procedure per (Section 307-05).

2. Remove the Allen screw in the front face of the knob (2 mm Allen Wrench).

3. Slide the selector shaft cover down 1/2 inch (A TWISTING MOTION MAY HELP TO LOWER THE COVER).

4. Cut the two small wires from the OD switch close to the base of the knob.

5. Using force, pull the shifter knob up to remove it.

6. Check gear selector lever function by depressing the small white plastic pin in the selector shaft. If the transmission shifts in and out of park normally, proceed to Step 7.





7. Using a flat scale, measure 49 mm (1 15/16") from the top edge of the selector shaft as shown in (Figure 1). Mark on the front face of the selector shaft a small paint dot to indicate the proper position (depth), for reinstallation of the knob.

8. Insert a new gear selector release button and spring into the knob. The knob must be rotated clockwise slightly to align with the "flat" area of the selector shaft, (THE FLAT AREA ON THE SELECTOR SHAFT IS WHERE THE ALLEN SCREW SHOULD SEAT WHEN TIGHTENED).

9. Push the knob down onto the selector shaft. Ensure that the knob is pushed down far enough and aligned with the paint dot (it may be necessary to use some force). Check the function to be sure the gear selector button operates normally and allows the gear selector to move freely in and out of park.





10. Install a new overdrive switch (OD) and wire assembly. Cut the wires three inches (3") from the switch and form the wires in an arc as shown in (Figure 2).

11. Feed the overdrive switch wires through the hole for the OD switch and down to the base of the knob.

12. Push the switch into place in the knob.

13. Join the wires. Trim wire length as needed. Use heat shrink insulator over the wires. Solder with the insulator piece above the joint. Slide the insulator down and heat.

14. Tuck the wires under the selector shaft cover.

15. Install the Allen screw in the knob.

16. Slide the selector shaft cover up using a twisting motion.

17. Check gear selector and overdrive for proper operation. If overdrive is not functioning check fuse # 28.





Parts Block

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

032403A Replace The Gear Selector 0.6 Hr.
Release Button And The
Overdrive Cancel Switch
(Includes Time To
Reposition The Shift knob)

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
7G550 42





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