Would not shift into Park and could only start in neutral

1997 FORD E-SERIES VAN
144,000 MILES • 6.8L • V10 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GARBAGEMAN221
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Checked the usual suspects the bolts holding the shift tube to the shift linkage arm. They were right so I replaced the shift tube bushings that weren't really that bad. Still no fix. At the neutral safety switch I notice the cable isn't pushing the linkage arm on the trans all the way forward but the cable doesn't look in bad shape. could it be stretched?
Aug 9, 2020 at 12:09 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon,

I would suspect the cable, yes.

I attached the points of interest under the column and on the transmission.

I would see if the transmission goes into park without the cable attached.

Roy
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Aug 9, 2020 at 12:47 PM
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GARBAGEMAN221
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It does and if I pull the linkage to where Park is and hold it the truck van will start. So in going to slave the cable and neutral safety switch. We'll see.
Aug 9, 2020 at 1:14 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Keep me updated.

Roy
Aug 9, 2020 at 1:19 PM
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GARBAGEMAN221
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I will I just removed the cable put the trans in neutral by hand. I centered the safety switch and it will start in park and neutral but if I have my son shift it to park reattach the cable and he shifts to neutral them back to park the cable will not push it to the right position. So in only replacing the cable I hope this solves it. I can't complain it was an exchange for work on another van for my friends church.I have more labor into it (exhaust manifold studs, brake booster and master cylinder, alternator, and one brake caliper) than parts. Beauty of it is it runs great I just want to flip it.
Aug 9, 2020 at 1:44 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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I agree. I would replace the cable.

Roy
Aug 9, 2020 at 1:49 PM
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GARBAGEMAN221
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Cable for that year not an easy find but I think I found one.
Craig
Aug 9, 2020 at 3:17 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good. Keep me updated.

Roy
Aug 9, 2020 at 3:23 PM
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GARBAGEMAN221
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Well, that was the fix. Part was an exact match genuine hencho en Mexico Ford part. Oddly the old one out of the van didn't seem to have any issues. It moved freely and didn't seem to have any spongy feel to it like it did in the van. Now on to shift tube bushings on my 1999 f350. After fixing the van I really noticed the truck driving it this week. Hopefully I don't cause a cable issue with it. Thanks for you guidance.
Aug 15, 2020 at 2:29 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Aug 15, 2020 at 3:42 PM