1997 - 2003 F-150

Can't move shifter, ABS light on

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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 01:38 PM
  #1  
HeathRa's Avatar
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Can't move shifter, ABS light on

Argh! I got into my truck this morning, turned the key and it started right up, same as always. Put my foot on the brake and TRIED to shift into reverse. The shifter wouldn't move.

My ABS light was on, so I tried releasing the parking brake. No good.

I turned the truck off and back on. No good.

I straightened out all the seat belts and turned off the airbag. No good.

I turned the key to "Auxilary" and pumped the gas three times (works in a Chevy to reset). No good.

I ended up borrowing someone else's car to come to work. I've got a call in to the dealership, but they'll just want to tow it in and charge me an arm and a leg.

Any ideas?
 
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 01:43 PM
  #2  
kingfish51's Avatar
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mount Airy,MD
Yes, possibly the fuse for the brake lights, or the switch on the brake pedal is bad.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 03:21 PM
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srfd44's Avatar
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Central NJ
Did you get the cruise control recall done? The metioned fuse usually blows because of a leaking switch on the master cylinder. The switch there to diconnect the cruise contol when you hit the break

A word of caution, alot of trucks have been tourched because of the leaking switch, even when shut off, so get it fixed if you did not already
 
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 03:36 PM
  #4  
maddoughboy's Avatar
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From: WA State
Info on your truck would help. You could try turning the truck to run shift to N then start the truck and do what ever you need as long as you don't put it back in P but do take it to a shop to get it checked.
 
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Old Sep 14, 2009 | 10:41 AM
  #5  
HeathRa's Avatar
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Thanks for the advice, everyone. It was the cruise control switch. And yes, I had ignored the recall notice, even after my cruise control failed a few months ago. My mechanic told me I was very lucky the truck didn't catch on fire.

The dealership still hasn't called back, so I'm going to have to walk in to schedule my recall work. So glad the Cal Worthington service department is so responsive.

Thanks again!
 
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Old Sep 28, 2009 | 05:34 PM
  #6  
freshjive959's Avatar
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Agua Dulce, CA
i am having this problem in my truck, ihave had my cruise control switch recall replaced....

another problem i am having, not sure if it goes in line with this one or not, is sometimes when i go to start my truck, it doesnt turn over, it just cranks and cranks and cranks, almost like no spark???? i usually can wait awhile and then it will just work all the sudden???? no check engine light, and one time it just shut off on me on the highway, no excess temps, no smoke, no CEL? yikes? any help?
 
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