1bigham

My dad's 2004 F150 is stuck in park. There is a column shifter (not center console) and I need help fixing the problem. Almost every post is about the center console shift and I can't find info for the column. I purchased the part I thought I needed -Column Mounter Shift Interlock Solenoid F2DZ-3Z719-Abut I cannot locate the part in the steering column.

I droped the steering column and removed the trim around the steering wheel and I dont see it. Am I missing it or am I looking for the wrong part?

SuzukiRider

Before you do anything, make sure you have brake lights. The brake switch is what sends the power to the park interlock to release the shifter. It make be a two stage switch, so just because you do have brake lights still doesnt mean the switch is working.

Let me see if I can find a diagram for the location of that solenoid....

1bigham

Just double checked- have brake lights and always had them since the problem started. Just confirmed with dad. Not sure about the cruise control since he never uses it.

SuzukiRider

According to Alldata you have to remove the steering wheel and clockspring to get to the shift interlock solenoid.

When looking at the steering wheel, the solenoid is at the 5 oclock postion, just below and in front of the cylinder.

1bigham

as in remove the actual steering wheel, or the plastic covers around the column? Is it difficult to remove the steering wheel?

SuzukiRider

Id try to see if I could get to the switch before I took the wheel off. No the wheel isnt hard to get off, just need to be careful. And dont let the clock spring turn, it is very fragile. Heres the instructions:

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
Remove the steering wheel.




Remove the two screws and the lower dash panel.




Remove the screw and the lower steering column shroud.




Remove the two screws and the upper steering column shroud.



Disconnect the clockspring electrical connectors.



Remove the screw and slide the multi-function switch up and position it out of the way.



Place a piece of tape on the clockspring to prevent it from rotating.



Press the three tabs on the clockspring and slide the clockspring off.



Remove the three screws and remove the clockspring and shroud mounting bracket.



Disconnect the brake shift interlock switch electrical connector.



Release the tab and slide the brake shift interlock down to remove.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.

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Ifallsguy

before you do anything make sure you have disconnected the battery and the air bag is disarmed. Check your owners manual... Should have instructions on how to disarm the air bags

1bigham

Thanks for the help. How long do you think this will take?

Tailrace

iTrader: (1)

I'm getting ready to change out my steering wheel and from what I've read after you disconnect the negative battery cable you should wait at least 30 minutes before attempting to remove the airbag. Waiting the 30 minutes de-energizes the airbag, making it safe to remove.

kpwolf88

I had this problem on my 2005 Ford F-150 with the column shifter. After replacing the solenoid using the above instructions, it didn't fix the problem.

SOLUTION: I would suggest replacing the brake light switch that is attached to the brake pedal. This fixed it instantly for me and was a $45 part. Troubleshooting took 10 minutes and required NO TOOLS. I took off the brake light switch, opened it up to show 2 metal connectors. The bottom connector had a burn mark on the case next to it. I used a small piece of wood to force both connections closed and put the part back in place to test. Tested perfectly. I hope this helps someone else. I would try this before replacing the solenoid. Oddly, I could not find posts that talk about the brake light switch affecting shifting out of park so tried the solenoid first. Even if your brake lights work like mine did, check this part.