Gear Shifter Assembly - warranty?

[cainmom]

We bought a used 2008 Ford Expedition (our first Ford after having several Chevy Suburbans) in July from a local Ford dealership -- it had 58,000 miles on it (we have put on about 3,000 miles). Since then we have had it in the shop at least 3-4 times (air conditioner part broke, tire sensor broke). So this past week it began not shifting out of park sporadically. If we rocked the car back and forth it would then shift.

We took it to the dealer and they said now it is the gear shifter assembly. The vehicle has a limited Powertrain warranty, but apparently this is not covered under the warranty.

My question for any of you Expedition guru's is this: is this part not considered part of the transmission or engine?

So far my family of 7 loves the comfort of this vehicle but I have been less than impressed with how many things have gone wrong with it. One of the reasons we went with this car was because of the warranty but we are not finding it useful yet! Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Yudaman]

Keep in mind wen buying a used vehicle, you are also buying the previous owner's habits...
With that said, when it decides to not shift out of park, are you depressing the brake pedal? I know, prolly a dumb question, but one that needs asked... Since there is an electric lock out to prevent shifting from park without stepping on the brake.

Good news, we do have a member from Ford that frequents this forum and will most likely contact you for more info.

 

[montecarlo31]

Good news, we do have a member from Ford that frequents this forum and will most likely contact you for more info.

I'm guessing that the rocking the vehicle has zero to do with the problem UNLESS the truck is on a serious incline.

My guess is a brake light switch is going out. Next time that happens try using the override next to the shifter and see what happens.

As to the ford reps they are going to say "have you contacted your local dealer" and "we would like to get in the middle of this and speak to the service manager". Not quite the help most people actually need.

PS when you buy used you have to expect there will be issues. If you didn't want issues you should have purchased a new vehicle.

 

[cainmom]

yes, we looked at the brake and stepped on the brake while in park. Still nothing. We know that buying used can be risky, but we thought with the low mileage and buying from a Ford dealer and having the transferable 100,000 powertrain warranty would help to minimize the risks. There is no way we can afford a new vehicle and we had heard great things about Ford Expeditions. (I still think it's much more comfortable and roomy than my Suburbans.)

We were told by the Ford dealership service dept (the same one we bought the Ford from) and this is their exact words written on the invoice:
Test and confirm concern shifter feels like interlock not releasing and sticking interlock not available separately. Shifter not covered under ESP P&A shifter.

 

[mrford60]

it is a common problem on higher mileage expeditions and other fords. The past owner might have been tapping the brake pedal when parked clicking the switch on and off making it wear out early. if you are even slightly mechanicly inclined it is not a hard job. and someone on here can upload the instructions I am sure. the shifter is held in by 4 bolts under the top cover plate.