If you try to drive your Ford Econoline, but it won’t pull out of the parking lot, you are probably wondering why the problem is occurring and how you can fix it. We investigated these concerns for your convenience, and this is the information we found.
A Ford Econoline pickup truck may not pull out of park due to the unwanted pressure of gravity or a bad shift linkage. You should look for the cause of the problem and use an appropriate remedy based on your findings to get the truck out of park and perhaps restore normal transmission functions.
Read on as we talk in more detail about the possible reasons why a Ford Econoline won’t pull out of the parking lot. We’ll also cover step-by-step guides for each featured issue.
3 Reasons Why the Ford Econoline Won’t Pull Out of Parking (and Possible Solutions)
Gravity
Parking a Ford Econoline on a hill can prevent the vehicle’s transmission from rolling out of park. The reason behind this problem is that gravity puts extra pressure on the parking lock, preventing you from changing gear.
How to fix
You usually don’t need any special tools to pull a Ford Econoline out of parking when you’re on a hill. But you must be careful because the following solution can endanger people, vehicles and objects if you do not do it correctly.
step by step guide
Depress the Econoline’s brake pedal and start the engine.
Slowly and carefully remove your foot from the brake pedal.
Push against the brake pedal with enough force while applying light pressure while shifting the shifter.
Note: Do not use this technique if there are people or obstructions in the area. Be sure to clear the area to reduce the risk of the Econoline colliding with them.
change link failure
A shift link is a group of wires that typically connects the transmission and the shifter. Although these components serve their purpose, they can still break down over time and with frequent use.
In addition to the Econoline’s transmission refusing to pull out of park, other symptoms that may indicate a bad shift linkage include:
Unfamiliar noises (eg, screeching, banging, and/or buzzing)
gear slips
transmission oil leak
How to fix
Replacing the shift linkage cables should help restore transmission and shifter functions to normal. This replacement procedure is usually an easy job to do.
But if you feel that this task is too much for you, then you should enlist the help of a trusted auto technician.
If you want to continue with this task, here are the general steps to follow:
what you will need
wheel chocks
philips screwdriver
flat head screwdriver
panel remover
Allen or hex keys
wooden cribs
Replacement Shift Linkage Assembly
step by step guide
Set the Ford Econoline’s parking or parking brake.
Chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you are working on it.
Get into the cab of the van and remove the bolts holding the plastic cover behind the steering wheel.
Remove the plastic cover and set it aside temporarily.
Loosen and remove the Allen or hex bolts that hold the shifter.
Pry the shifter out of its mount with a flat head screwdriver or panel puller.
Loosen the bolts under the flywheel assembly to lower it. Shim wood between the lowered steering wheel and the dash.
Push the faulty shift linkage cable up and out of its bracket.
Install the new shift linkage cable in the same location as the old unit.
Return the steering wheel assembly and shifter to their original positions.
Start the Econoline’s engine and see if you can now pull it out of the park.
If all is well, put the dash cover back on and remove the wheel chocks.
Take a look at this shift cable repair kit on the internet.
Tip: Have someone with fairly thin arms and hands help you remove the old shift linkage assembly and install the new unit. Doing these steps can be more challenging than expected for a person with reasonably large arms and hands.
Watch this video if you need a visual guide to the procedure.
