Shift cable — removal, installation and adjustment Ford F150
Removal and installation Column mounted shifter
1. Remove the steering column covers (see Body).
2. Shift the transmission to Drive position.
3. Remove the knee bolster and steering column reinforcement plate (see Dashboard trim panels – removal and installation).
Remove the bolt and the cable retainer
4. Remove the bolt attaching the shift cable retainer to the bracket and remove the retainer .
Pry the cable from the shift lever assembly pivot
5. Using a screwdriver, carefully pry the shift cable from the shift lever pivot.
Remove the screw and the instrument panel lower trim
6. Remove the instrument panel lower trim at the carpet by removing the screw on the driver’s side and pull away enough to access the shift cable grommet in the floor.
Console mounted shifter
7. Remove the shift lever assembly (see Shift lever – removal and installation).
All models
Push the grommet through the floor
8. Push the rubber grommet and shift cable through the floor .
Note: Pull the carpet back to access the cable as necessary.
9. Raise the vehicle and place it securely on jackstands.
Pry up the cable lock to release the cable
10. Clean the cable adjustment lock and carefully pry up on the end facing the rear of the vehicle to disengage the lock (see illustration).
Remove the bolt and the cable retainer
11. Remove the bolt attaching the shift cable retainer to the bracket and remove the retainer at the transmission.
12. Remove the cable housing clip from the vehicle floor.
13. Remove the cable from the vehicle, feeding the cable from the passenger compartment and out of the bottom of the vehicle.
14. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to adjust the cable.
Adjustment
15. Working inside the vehicle, put the shift lever in the Drive position.
16. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands.
17. Working at the transmission, with the shift cable adjustment lock unlatched, perform the following in order:
- Rotate the shift lever at the transmission clockwise until it stops.
- Rotate the shift lever at the transmission counter-clockwise three clicks to place in Drive.
18. Lock the shift cable adjustment lock. Ensure an audible click is heard and pull on the lock and the cable to ensure it is fastened securely.
19. Move the shift lever through all gear positions and verify that the indicated positions correspond with the actual gear positions at the manual lever. Also verify that the engine will start only in Park and Neutral, and that the back-up lights come on when the shift lever is placed in Reverse. If necessary, readjust the cable until these conditions are met. It may also be necessary to adjust the transmission range sensor (see Transmission Range (TR) sensor – description and adjustment …).