Help! Problem with shift indicator

jakeman14 · #1 09-22-2005, 01:02 PM

I have a minor problem, but it stares me in the eye each time I get into my truck. The little orange shift indicator on the speedo cluster has shifted to the right almost a full gear length (when in Park, it shows that I'm in Reverse). Now, I was told to take the dash apart and there should be a lever under the speedo to push over to correct the problem. Never saw it! Then I was told that under the plastic cover on the steering column, there is a screw to adjust to fix it. Well, there are several screws, but none look like they serve any purpose other than to hold things in place. My dash around my steering column is on the passenger floorboard as we speak and I need to get it back together-FIXED! How do I fix this problem?? Thanks in advance.

exploded99 · #2 09-22-2005, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakeman14

I have a minor problem, but it stares me in the eye each time I get into my truck. The little orange shift indicator on the speedo cluster has shifted to the right almost a full gear length (when in Park, it shows that I'm in Reverse). Now, I was told to take the dash apart and there should be a lever under the speedo to push over to correct the problem. Never saw it! Then I was told that under the plastic cover on the steering column, there is a screw to adjust to fix it. Well, there are several screws, but none look like they serve any purpose other than to hold things in place. My dash around my steering column is on the passenger floorboard as we speak and I need to get it back together-FIXED! How do I fix this problem?? Thanks in advance.

Need to know the year / model. If its a second gen I should be able to come up with the adjustment procedure, but I think it involves the steering column.

jakeman14 · #3 09-22-2005, 09:47 PM

1999 4.0 I looked under the dash and saw a white plastic thing that connects to the cable that was broken. I went to Ford dealer and they sold me the PRNDL shift indicator that's in the speedo with that cable and white thing connected to it. It should be easy swap with my dash still in pieces.

jakeman14 · #4 09-30-2005, 10:45 PM

man, this website is NO help whatsoever. I have had several questions and no answers. I figured out my problem on my own. It was a $26 part that I paid $21 since I work at a dealership. It took me maybe an hour to do it-in the dark. It saved me at least $100, but oh well.

B33p3r · #5 10-14-2005, 08:52 AM

It makes me laugh when I see someone say this site is no help. Then I reread the problem statement. That makes me laugh more. How can you possibly expect someone to help diagnose your problem without accurate facts. Such as Year, engine...etc etc. If you go to an auto parts store for a part you give them all the info they need but here you just tell what the problem is.
You must remember one thing. This site is mostly auto owners with woes willing to share there problems and fixes. A few less hobbyist(spelling) who just like to troubleshoot things and learn from it. And a couple proffesionals willing to take the time to help us poor b******s that can't afford to bring it to a professional.
So you say this site isn't any help at all?? how many fixes to your problem did you post.
Not looking for a discussion! just food for thought.

ChrisGood · #6 10-14-2005, 04:16 PM

also... you went to the dealer for the part but you work at the dealer so you get a discount, why didnt you just have one of the techs at your dealership look at it for you? Not like they would charge you to look at it. I go to my dealership to have them look at things and they do it for free in hopes of getting my business.

jakeman14 · #7 10-14-2005, 06:18 PM

First off, I work at a DODGE dealer and I like to work on my own vehicle if all possible. I did ask several people at the dealership, tho, and they all told me the wrong fix. And anytime I see a thread with a problem that sounds familiar, I offer any help I can. It just so happens that there is not much that I know how to fix. After dealing with this problem and having a tread posted for almost two months with no help, I went to the Ford dealer and had to buy a new piece-cheap and easy, but I had been told it could have been fixed for even cheaper(free) and easier.

way2old · #8 10-14-2005, 06:29 PM

Someone told you wrong on cheaper(free). If the plastic cable holder is broken, it needed to be replaced. I come to the forum daily and guess I missed your post. So if we dissapoint you, so be it. Most of the techs that come here have full time jobs, family, hobbies just like you do. Sometimes things are overlooked. You stated you work at a Dodge dealership. Has any repair ever been overlooked there? I know it has happened, because we are all human(or of the human race).

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