Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- Component
- Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- Manufacturer
- FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Vehicles affected
- 2,400
- Reported to NHTSA
- 1997-05-28
- Owners notified
- 1997-06-11
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS AND SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS-COWLS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE WELDS THAT ATTACH THE KEY TO THE TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN MOUNTED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE MAY NOT ADEQUATELY RETAIN THE KEY, ALLOWING THE TRANSMISSION TO BE IN A GEAR OTHER THAN THAT INDICATED ON THE "PRNDL", OR IN SOME CASES, "RNDL."
Safety risk
THE DOMESTIC SPECIAL ORDER (DSO) PARK BRAKE MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, OR IN THE VEHICLE MOVING IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED. IN SOME VEHICLES THE DSO PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM ALSO MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED, WHICH CAN RESULT IN THE PARK BRAKE NOT ENGAGING WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN SHIFT TUBE AND, IF SO EQUIPPED, TO HAVE THE DSO PARK BRAKE LINKAGE ADJUSTED.