DakotaP

I have a 2004 F150 Lariat 5.4L with the automatic transmission. It has a console shifter. I got in the truck this morning and drove home from work with no problems at all. I got back in the truck and when I put it in reverse it wouldn't "lock" into gear. The shifter would slide to neutral and drive without pulling in the button on the shifter. So I get home and start putting it back and forth into gear trying to get it to lock in. I give up and go in the house for a few minutes and come back out to give it another try. Now the truck won't start, but just clicks as if the truck is not in park. And even in park you can push the truck down the drive way like it is in neutral. I can't figure it out and am in a bind right now as it is my only vehicle, and really can't afford to put it in the shop right now. Any suggestions? The truck isn't displaying any codes according to my Edge.

gone postal

More than likely something let go in the console shifter. If the transmission isn't in park or neutral the vehicle won't start. is the shifter cable still intact?

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Look under at the tranny...see if the cable is connected...

DakotaP

That was it. Not too long after I posted this I went and looked and of course the plastic retainer broke and the shift cable came free. I just picked up another one at ford. Now comes trying to install it. Any tips?

gone postal

Get a Haynes manual.

Normally the shifter and the tranny have to be put in a certain position to get them to synch and properly adjust the cable.

jbhill

Pull the left lower silver cover off the console and check were the cable snaps into the bracket. Mine has popped out of there more than once.