Question
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1986 Bronco tilt and cruise with auto shift. It won't shift out of park. I have tried to dismantle it but can only get so far. I even removed the gear shifter to see if I could get to the problem there, no luck. Is it better to just replace the entire column or is there a way to get it apart to fix something simple? It has never required a key to start it since I bought it used. It had gotten harder to start without pushing the rod on top with vice grips. Is this part of the problem?
Thanks in advance.
Answer
Rack Actuator (Rack 0
Hi Lance:
You're 2/3 of the way there. The broken piece in the column that is causing both problems is a rack actuator. I have attached a picture of it so you know what you are looking for. The broken part has slid down and is locking the shifter. Here are the instructions for replacing that part. Once you do, you can start it with the key and shift it fine.
Also, my company does sell these. http://stolenandrecovered.com/parts2/rack.php
Here are the instructions for replacing that piece.
1) remove the horn pad
2) remove the steering wheel
3) remove the 3 screws for the turn signal switch
4) under the dash and column disconnect the turn signal wire connector
5) pull the turn signal switch up about 3 inches to give you room...you do not need to remove it
6) remove the 3 screws for the steering column outer housing
7) remove the lock cylinder (turn to on and depress the release pin under the lock
8) remove the housing
9) remove the snap ring from the center of the column shaft
10) remove the tile spring (it's hard to do so be VERY CAREFUL)
11) remove the two pivot pins on the side of the tilt housing--they just pull out sideways
12) remove the tilt housing (catching the gear mechanism that drops)
13) part of the broken rack is still in the shift tube (on top)...with a right angle pick, slide the long piece up and remove it from the tube
14) remove the roll pin holding the rack actuator to the rod... DON'T LOSE THIS PIECE
15) reassemble
16) putting the lock cylinder back in sync is the hard part. You will need to remove the snap ring and bear from inside the housing and reset all of that to the correct timing or you will not have all the positions ACC, OFF, ON, START
Let me know if yo have any more problems
Good luck
Doug
