Hi All, the shift arm for my on-the-column AUTO tranny is getting pretty sloppy. Have to be really careful cause it doesn't really "lock" in the right spot. Wife has already missed Park and almost got in an accident when it rolled. I have looked to under the dash but not sure what I'm looking at. I'm told the bolts I have have to tighten are on the column and are star headed bolts. I see some on top of the column under the speedometer/tachometer displays. Not sure there are the right ones. I know about the wheel to adjust the little red pointer to have it point at the P,R,N,(D),2,1 points that's not the problem.

Anyone know where I should be looking? Got suggestions, advice, pictures??

thanks

Walt

 

there is a bolt in there that comes undone eventually it will get worse. My brother inlaw the former AAMCO tech says its a common problem in ford Trucks. The bolts in the colum.. He fixed mine so I dont know exactly were it is..

 

The bolts are on top holding the shift tube to the column. There are bolts on the end of the shift tube bracket to hold the end of the shifter cable. You probably need the two black bushings on the shifter tube changed as well which means dropping the steering column.

Just use google images and type in "f150 steering column parts" there's lots of pics, even some from f150online.

 

you don't need bushings. There are 2 torx screws that hold the shifter to the column. You do not need to remove anything to get at them to see them. They thread in towards the drivers seat and are bronze in colour. Stick your head under the dash and look up while wiggling the shifter. You will see where the play is in there. Just tighten the bolts up and go. If you have lost one they are not hard to find at any wrecker.

 

thanks all, I didn't see any way to fix looseness the first time I looked under the dash so I removed the plate under the speedo/odometer but the bolts I saw were in a place that it looked like I would need to remove the display (looked like big job) to get to them with a star wrench. I will look under the dash again now that you all have helped me understand where and what I'm looking for.
I had the shifter tightened once before a garage but never had a chance to ask the mechanic how he did it.

thanks

Walt

 

Looking up from the bottom the two bolts, will be in a bracket just above the steering wheel lock, and spring. Easiest way to reach them is with the shifter in first. Just did mine last week.

 

Thanks Glen R, Wife has me re-doing the bathroom tile right now and that is OK with me ( It has been friggin cold here in Jew Jersey). I haven't had a chance to even look at the shifter. The fix sounds easy enough, just not finding the time. Thanks for the additional directions.

Happy Holidays to everyone

Walt