Sloppy Shifter

[Dean Hedin]

My shifter is getting sloppy.

Sometimes I have to fiddle with it to get it into drive.

For example: this morning leaving for work I thought it was in drive but apparently not.

Tranny does not like being off in detent!



I checked the torx screws under the column and they are tight. So that is not it.



What do I got? Worn cable? Connection down at tranny worn?



Seems to me to be wear in the column shift mechanism.

Should I take it to the dealer or fix myself?



2003 auto 4wd with 80K miles

 

[swshawaii]

 

[EddieS'04]

Also there is a bolt, I have heard about. Under the column. It tends to loosen up. Some times fall out even.

Tha can cause sloppyness, you refer to.

 

[Todd Z]

I Guarantee its the two torx bolts under the dash where the shift cable attaches to the steering colum.... They come loose.....



I took my drivers side seat out, got under there with a light, took one out at a time, lock tightened and re installed....



All better !!



Todd Z

 

[Dean Hedin]

Not the bolts. Checked them. They are tight.



The explorer forum link talks about the adjuster breaking. I'll check that tomorrow.