yellow shift cable terminal lock

[workstar]

97 windstar, 3.8. I'm in the process of dropping the engine, but can't get the shift cable connector to unlock. The book says to use a small screwdriver to 'release' it until the window shows black. I've poked, prodded, and pried in the little hole and the only result is a bent jewelers screwdriver. Any advice/experience? As an alternative, if I just mark and remove the lever, but leave the TRS attached to the transaxle, will I run into problems during the engine install? TIA, ken

[northern piper]

HI Ken

I had to remove and replace my TRS 3 months ago on a 2000. I couldn't get the yellow connector off either. I ended up just unattaching the connector at the TRS and went from there. Just for a snicker once it was off I looked at it closer and from both sides and still couldn't seem to release it. So, while I haven't been ANY help at least you know it's not a simple little clip

Piper

[workstar]

Thanks Piper. That's probably what I'll end up doing. I might first try a dozen donuts at the local ford garage, though.

ken

[12Ounce]

I always remove the lever from the input shaft.

[Johnny Mullet]

Everytime I tried to remove one of them, I broke it. I learned after the 4th or 5th time