Dholla

I have a 2001 5.4L xlt with an automatic transmission and Starting today, my column shifter is really loose and has trouble locking into the gears. Putting my column shifter into park has become a challenge and takes alot of wiggling on the shifter. At the same time, turning my key has become a challenge as well. The truck shifts perfectly fine though so I'm really confused. Any ideas what coule be wrong? I couldn't find anything using the search function.

jb2012

Real easy fix. Take a flashlight and I believe a Philips head screw driver and go under your dash. Look up and wiggle your shifter and you will find a screw that is loose. Tighten it up and it will feel good as new! If you need a picture I'll get you one

Dholla

Wow that was a quick response! It seems like this has happened to you before? Thanks man and I will do that when I get home tonight. I'll post when I get it done

Dholla

So I cant find the screw. Haha pics would help

ericbe45

at the end of the shifter shaft (undre the dash where the shift cable hooks on) there is a lever that attaches to the shift shaft... the are two torgues bit screws that attach the lever to the shaft,,, most likely are loose... also the shaft bushings wear out and can cause a sloopy shifter

Carcrazygts2

I vote shifter bushings or the tension spring.

Dholla

Ok well thanks a lot for the replies. I'm gonna crack open the haynes manual tomorrow and check it out

Dholla

http://I.imgur.com/eqVgUTS.jpg

So I checked the bolts and they weren't loose but I found this pin looking part with threading on one side on my floorboard under the steering column. Does anyone know what it is?

jb2012

Sorry bud I've been so busy I haven't gotten to get on here. But to be honest I haven't dug much deeper on this subject so I can't help you any more besides some moral support! Mine was as easy as tightening that screw.

Carcrazygts2

Looks the the shifter assembly pivot pin, what the brass shifter bushings ride on.