Difficult to Start - Problem with shifter

Sandwhich · Apr 25, 2021

Hi, I recently purchased a 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer. It often won't crank unless I "slam" it into park. I'm worried this will leave me stranded so I'd like to take care of it. It also will not crank in neutral, but the gear indicators seems to line up. Should I be focused on something in the steering column or the neutral safety switch on the trans?

It's got 290K miles and I'm not looking for perfection. But I've gotta get this reliable.

Hamfisted · Apr 25, 2021

Probably just the safety switch out of adjustment there on the side of the tranny. I'd check that out first. Do your reverse lights come on reliably when you place the shifter in reverse ? Might have to replace it if you can't get it adjusted correctly. If the reverse lights don't come on in the correct shifter spot, put the emergency brake on, put the ignition in RUN and place the shifter in REVERSE, loosen the safety switch retaining screws a little so you can move the switch. Rotate the switch till the reverse lights come on and tighten down the mounting screws. That "should" get your switch into the right spot for reliable starting. But it's possible the safety switch is just worn out and needs to be replaced.

Plati · Apr 25, 2021

I think MrHam has good advice but I have a funny story. Had seen several posts about shifting problems. I found I couldn't shift into Park so couldn't start it. Then I found a charger cable usb end was hanging into that last 1/4" blocking the way. TFF

Sandwhich · Apr 25, 2021

Hamfisted said:
Probably just the safety switch out of adjustment there on the side of the tranny. I'd check that out first. Do your reverse lights come on reliably when you place the shifter in reverse ? Might have to replace it if you can't get it adjusted correctly. If the reverse lights don't come on in the correct shifter spot, put the emergency brake on, put the ignition in RUN and place the shifter in REVERSE, loosen the safety switch retaining screws a little so you can move the switch. Rotate the switch till the reverse lights come on and tighten down the mounting screws. That "should" get your switch into the right spot for reliable starting. But it's possible the safety switch is just worn out and needs to be replaced.

This is great advice. Thank you. Reverse lights do not come on unless it is between park and reverse.

BlackCoffee · Apr 28, 2021

This may help you. It is from the 4R70W rebuild video for adjustment of the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) and how to align. Fast forward to 59 minutes and you will see the mounting and adjusting of the TRS. If it is aligned, you may need to replace the TRS. Not a big project.

AODE 4R70W Class Part 2 Lesson 7 - Bing video

Difficult to Start - Problem with shifter

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