Gear shifter not working properly

2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

190 MILES • 3.2L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

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I left work. Drove home went to get back in the car pulled it into drive and it wouldn’t go past neutral into drive. It was tight but I managed to get it into drive and let go of the button and it locked in place. Took it out of drive and put back in park that worked. So it’s not wanting to go into drive or low. Again the cable was tight feeling. I opened up the console to see if it was the bushing, nope, however it’s loose but not broken. And the white lever that holds it in place is good. So now do I need to replace the whole cable? I read that if the cable is tight it could be due to corrosion and it would need to be replaced.
If so how do I do that?

Jun 12, 2020 at 7:31 AM

ASEMASTER6371

CERTIFIED EXPERT
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

I attached the procedure below with some pictures for you to replace the shift cable.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Roy

Transmission Selector Lever Cable

Transmission Selector Lever Cable (Part 1)
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Transmission Selector Lever Cable (Part 1)
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Removal and Installation
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. Place the floor shift selector lever in the (D) position.

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3. Gently pry up to remove the shift selector lever trim ring.

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4. Lift the center console lid and remove the center console compartment tray.

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5. Remove the top finish panel from the center console.

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6. Disconnect the power outlet electrical connector.

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7. Remove the selector lever cable from the gearshift assembly.
1 Disconnect the selector lever cable end from the gearshift lever.
2 Remove the selector lever cable from the bracket.

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8. Remove the 2 grommet nuts for the selector lever cable.
To install, tighten to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft).

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9. Remove the selector lever cable retainer from the dash panel.

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10. Remove the selector lever cable retainers from the transaxle.

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11. Remove the retainers and the LH splash shield.

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12. Remove the 2 bolts and the transaxle selector lever cable splash shield.
To install, tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).

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13. Remove the selector lever cable from the retainer.

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14. Release the selector lever cable adjuster lock.
1 Pull out on the adjuster lock tabs.
2 Slide the lock over to unlock the selector lever cable.
To install, push the selector lever cable lock in place to lock the selector lever cable.

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15. Remove the selector lever cable end from the manual lever, remove the selector lever cable bracket nuts and remove the selector lever cable assembly.
To install, tighten to 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).

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16. NOTE: Before installation, make sure the transmission manual lever is in the DRIVE position with the ignition in the OFF position or the selector lever cable will have to be adjusted.

Place the manual lever in DRIVE, by positioning the manual lever between the 2 ribs on the transaxle case. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

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Images (Click to enlarge)

Jun 12, 2020 at 8:03 AM