FYI: Shift interlock issues
I didn't do a write up on this when it happened, but I figured I would throw some info into the pool here.
My shift interlock solenoid was acting very odd on my FX4 with console shifter. It would sometimes stick in park and not allow me to get it out. Tapping on the brake and trying the shifter would often get it to work, but one morning after dropping the kids at school, I was nearly stuck in line. It finally came out of park after doing the same routine with a bit more vigor. When I got to work, I decided to take it all apart and see what the problem was. First, looking up the part, the Dorman one was $300. The Motorcraft one was over $600. Well, it looks like my truck was going to live without it. But, rather than leaving it at that, I decided to take the unit apart. What I found was a microswitch on the board inside had broken its solder joints entirely. So, a quick reflow and cleaning, and reinstall brought it back to 100%. So, if you have this issue ever, it might be worth taking your original apart to see if that issue is your problem before spending that much money.
My shift interlock solenoid was acting very odd on my FX4 with console shifter. It would sometimes stick in park and not allow me to get it out. Tapping on the brake and trying the shifter would often get it to work, but one morning after dropping the kids at school, I was nearly stuck in line. It finally came out of park after doing the same routine with a bit more vigor. When I got to work, I decided to take it all apart and see what the problem was. First, looking up the part, the Dorman one was $300. The Motorcraft one was over $600. Well, it looks like my truck was going to live without it. But, rather than leaving it at that, I decided to take the unit apart. What I found was a microswitch on the board inside had broken its solder joints entirely. So, a quick reflow and cleaning, and reinstall brought it back to 100%. So, if you have this issue ever, it might be worth taking your original apart to see if that issue is your problem before spending that much money.



