LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 556 (Automatic Transmission) >> In-Vehicle Repair >> Brake Shift Interlock Actuator >> Removal and Installation

Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE: Some 2002-2005 Explorer 4 Dr/Mountaineer vehicles may require a greater effort to move the gear selector lever from drive to park. This may be due to a time delay with the brake shift interlock pin retraction.
  1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  2. Remove the 2 fasteners supporting the instrument panel knee bolster from below the steering column and remove the cover.
    Fig 1: Removing Fasteners Supporting Instrument Panel Knee Bolster
    G03182083Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Remove the 3 fasteners supporting the steering column lower shroud and remove the cover.
    Fig 2: Removing Fasteners Supporting Steering Column Lower Shroud
    G03182084Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Remove the 3 wiring bundle carrier fasteners from the bottom of the steering column to allow movement while removing the brake shift interlock switch. It may be necessary to release the connectors from the multifunction switch.
    Fig 3: Removing Wiring Bundle Carrier Fasteners
    G03182085Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Remove the brake shift interlock bolts.
    Fig 4: Removing Brake Shift Interlock
    G03182086Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Pull the brake shift interlock tab on the bottom of the column downward to help free the brake shift interlock from the column housing.
  7. Break the 2 side tabs off the brake shift interlock by the white wiring connector.
    Fig 5: Breaking Tabs Off Brake Shift Interlock
    G03182087Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  8. Push the locking tab on the white connector towards the wiring to release the connector from the brake shift interlock. Be careful not to damage the connector or wiring. If the connector does not free easily, a very small flat screwdriver may be used to help lift the locking tab.
    Fig 6: Releasing Connector From Brake Shift Interlock
    G03182088Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. Connect the wiring to the new brake shift interlock. Make sure all clips are fully engaged to prevent the connector from pulling free.
  10. Position the brake shift interlock onto the steering column and reinstall fasteners.
    Fig 7: Positioning Brake Shift Interlock Onto Steering Column
    G03182089Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Check brake shift interlock function. With the key in the accessory or run position, press the brake pedal. The brake shift interlock pin should retract on brake application and spring up 1 second after releasing the brake pedal. Repeat several times.
  12. Reinstall the fasteners to connect the wiring bundle carrier to the steering column. Make sure all connections to the multifunction switch unit are secured correctly.
  13. Assemble the steering column in reverse order. Make sure the rubber gap hider around the shift lever is correctly seated on the shroud.
  14. Cycle the shift lever from park to drive and drive back to park several times to verify improved shift effort.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals