Does anyone know the step by step directions for removing and replacing the column shift selector plunger and the transmission column shift selector tube on a 2004 Lincoln town car?

Does the car have floor shift or column ?
Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder (Column Shift)
Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder (Floor Shift)

Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed from the Ignition Lock Cylinder (Column Shift)
Step
Action
Yes
No
1
Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspection?
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation
2
Verify the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock cylinder.
Is the key stuck in the lock cylinder?
Go to Step 3
System OK
3
Is the vehicle equipped with a manual transmission?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 4
4
Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
Can the key be turned to the OFF position and be removed?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 5
5
Verify the adjustment of the automatic transmission cable. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment .
Can the key be turned to the OFF position?
System OK
Go to Step 6
6
Inspect the linear shift assembly and cable for damage.
Is the linear shift assembly or cable damaged?
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 7
7
Inspect for a faulty lock cylinder.
Is the lock cylinder damaged?
Go to Step 10
Go to Step 8
8
Inspect the ignition lock cylinder case.
Is the worn, damaged, or loose?
Go to Step 11
Go to Step 12
9
Replace the linear shift assembly. Refer to Linear Shift Assembly Replacement .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 12
--
10
Replace the ignition lock cylinder. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Replacement .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 12
--
11
Replace the ignition lock cylinder case housing. Refer to Ignition Lock Cylinder Case Replacement .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 12
--
12
Operate the system to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK
Go to Step 2

Not hard to replace. But you can't buy them., unless you get the entire steering column. Just did a Ford, same set up. Junk yard part is cheaper.

Do you have column or floor shifter ?
All automatic transaxle models use an electric park lock system. Within the housing assembly, a lock cylinder is connected to an actuator which rotates and engages on the electric park lock solenoid. When the floor-shift lever is not in the park position, the actuator disengages from the electric park lock solenoid slider. This allows the lock cylinder to move to the lock position. With the shift lever in PARK and the lock cylinder in LOCK, the actuator cam is positioned against the electric park lock solenoid slider. This prevents the shift lever from shifting out of the PARK position.
The column-shift automatic transaxle model uses a flexible cable actuator instead of an electric park lock system. One end of the cable is attached to the gate assembly. The other end of the cable is attached to the column mounted housing assembly. This system functions similarly to the floor-shift ignition lock system.
The manual transaxle model uses a push button lock cylinder. A clutch start switch is used. The clutch pedal must be pressed before the engine will crank. Refer to Park Lock System Check .
CAN you turn the key on ?
The gear selector does not shift out of PARK with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in RUN.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Always On with Ignition in Run
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No

1

Was the BTSI System Check performed?
--
Go to Step 2
Go to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check

2

Is this a column shift vehicle?
--
Go to Step 3 yes
Go to Step 4 no

3

1. Move the gear selector to the PARK position.
2. Disconnect the automatic transaxle control connector
3. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
4. Connect the test lamp between terminal B and ground.

Does the test lamp light?
--
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 8

4

1. Disconnect the brake switch connector C2.
2. Move the ignition switch to RUN.

Can you shift the transaxle out of the PARK position?
--
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 8

5

Is the brake switch adjusted properly?
--
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 7

6

Replace the brake switch.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

7

Adjust the brake switch.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

8

1. Disconnect the BTSI solenoid connector (column shift vehicles) or disconnect the automatic transaxle control connector (console shift vehicles).
2. Move the ignition switch to RUN.

Can you shift the transaxle out of the PARK position?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 10

9

Repair the short to power in CKT 1135.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

10

Test for sticking or binding in the shift linkage.
Does the shift linkage stick or bind?
--
Go to Step 11
Go to Step 12

11

Repair the shift linkage.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

12

Replace the BTSI solenoid (column shift vehicles) or replace the automatic transaxle control (console shift vehicles).
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
Go to Step 1

There are none procedures as follows disconnect the battery cables and remove the under steering column panels from the dashboard then remove the steering column shrouds upper and lower including the key lock cylinder there us a silver looking button that must be pressed in while turning the key cylinder to remove it on the bottom of the column under the cylinder turn the cylinder all the way foward while pulling outwards for removal next look for the cable that connects the transmission gear selector it should be orange or red this cable moves the pointer from park,reverse drive etc.there is a thumb wheel that you turn to adjust and the cable loop is attached to the shifter tube disconnect it next lower the steering column by loosening the 4 nuts that hold it in place and drop the column to gain access to the shifter tube you will now see 2 strap clamps that hold the tube to the steering column the bolts may be the torx kind it depends on the model and none is given only 94 ford? After removing the strap clamps you will see another stepper that is also clamped to the column this is the transmission shifter step lock that you feel when moving the selector from gear to gear you feel it in the shifter as you move through each gear unbolt it and be careful not to bend it attached to it is a switch on the left side that a lever from the tube locks in place for the shift inter lock switch that you see on top by the first strap clamp there is a raised section on the tube that keeps the plunger in place on the left side of the tube you will see it,next go to the shifter cable on the end and unbolt it and lift the stepper and remove the shift tube assembly is the reverse of removal with these precautions grease the strap clamps the plunger on the inside of the tube and the end spring there are 2 pins that hold in 1 the trans selector arm that you grab everyday and the lever that you see at the bottom of the tube by the cable end use a punch to drive out those pins the trans one from the skinny side not the cap side and the bottom one from the long side sticking out of the tube take a picture of everything so you can put it back together the same way when you look at the tube near the bottom pin you will see a cutout for the ignition key lock this must be in the right position or you won't be able to get the key out when assembled just go slow and don't panic you can do it it might be easier to put the lock cylinder in to position the tube but not necessary but if you never did this which I am assuming cause your here you should now transfer the rubber block and clip from the old tube if applies next bolt in the trans cable to the bottom then bolt in the straps and then the stepper make sure it is straight and not bent and the bottom lever fits into the switch at the bottom it's a u shaped piece with a plunger on the other side of it now raise the column to fit into the bolts you may have to move it back N forth to get the column aligned with the bolts again don't panic now tighten the nuts all the way you can put in the selector cable (orange/red)at this time along with the shrouds for the column take the key cylinder back out if it applies to do it and put it back in when done adjust the thumb wheel for gear selection also I almost forgot that and then tighten the shroud screws and your done ///////tools needed 1/4"drive ratchet and sockets 1/4"torx bit sockets size depends maybe t30? 3/8"drive ratchet and sockets also deep sockets for the 4 column nuts needle nose plier grease and possibly new strap clamps usually they break along with the tube but maybe not?and also pin punches for the tube and a long one or thin screw driver for the ignition lock cylinder also be careful not to lose the rubber block thats in the gear shift space transfer that and the clip to the new one the 1/4" drive tools are a must because it's very tight even with the column dropped this also depends on the vehicle and none was given only 94 ford? So you know I'm a taxi mechanic in nyc.with 50 years experience in all phases of the automobile mechanics and I have done about 3,000 of these tubes from people who don't know to step on the brake peddle first this is a safety feature so kids can't put the car into gear and the result is a runaway vehicle so take pictures go slow and don't panic and enjoy the learning process and have fun doing it this is not as hard as it looks and any problems you might have I explained to you ///the stepper and the switch and the lock cylinder lever that fits in the tube to pull out the key and the most important thing never panic just stop relax and go back with a clear head if your having trouble ok good luck stephen

What trans? AOD? This is 1992 F Series, all I have.

Shift Controls, Automatic Transmission The transmission shift control linkage or cable transfers the transmission operating mode from the selector lever to the transmission. The indicated transmission position on the steering column is transferred to a shift lever on the bottom of the steering column. On vehicles equipped with cable-operated shift systems, the indicated position of the transmission selector lever is transferred to the transmission through the shift cane, then to the cable, and down to the transmission manual shift lever at the transmission. On vehicles equipped with shift rod assemblies, the rod transfers the indicated transmission selector level position through a bell crank assembly to a control rod. The control rod transfers the indicated position to the transmission assembly.
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Automatic Transmission Manual Linkage Adjustments

1. With the engine stopped and the parking brake applied, place the transmission selector lever at the steering column in the D (DRIVE position) for C6 applications and in the (D) (OVERDRIVE position) for AOD and E4OD applications, and hold against the D or (D) stop by applying a three-pound force to the selector lever knob.

1. Loosen the shift rod adjusting nut at point A. Refer to the following illustrations.

1. Shift the manual lever at the transmission into the (D) (overdrive) position for E4OD, by moving the lever all the way rearward, then forward two detents.

1. With the selector lever and transmission manual lever in the(D) position, tighten the nut at point A to 17-24 Nm (12-18 ft-lb) torque. Use care to prevent motion between the stud and rod.

1. Remove the three-pound force from the steering column selector lever knob.

1. Operate the shift lever in all positions to make certain that the manual lever at the transmission is in full detent in all gear ranges. Re-adjust the linkage if required.

1. On F-Super Duty Chassis Cab and Motorhome and Commercial Chassis recheck for correct operation of the automatic transmission selector indicator (PRN(D)21). Refer to Section 11-04A, Steering Column, Shift Rod Within Tube. CAUTION: Under no circumstances will it be permissible to adjust linkage in any position other than the(D) position for E4OD applications.
   

---------------------
Automatic Transmission Shift Cable Adjustment

1. From inside the vehicle, place the column shift select lever in the DRIVE position (C6) of the OVERDRIVE (AOD and E4OD). Hang a three-pound weight on the selector lever.

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist.

1. Remove the shift cable from the transmission lever ball stud.

1. Pull down the lock tab on the shift cable body.

1. Position the transmission shift lever in the DRIVE position (C6) or the OVERDRIVE position (AOD and E4OD). This is three detents from the front-most lever position with the first position counting as one.

1. Connect the cable end fitting to the transmission lever ball stud.

1. Push up on the lock tab to lock the cable in the correctly adjusted position.

1. Lower vehicle down from hoist and remove the three-pound weight from the column shift select lever.

1. After making the adjustment, check for park engagement. Check the transmission control lever in all detent positions with the engine running to make sure correct detent/transmission actions. Readjust if necessary.

It sounds like the shift tube bushings are worn out. There are usually 2 u shaped clamps that have nylon bushings that hold the shift tube to the steering clumn. If loose, that throws off the shift position, could be btween 2 gears at once, and throws off the park - neutral safety switch. Fix that first.


Item Part Number Description 1 14A664 Air Bag Sliding Contact 2 3530 Upper Steering Column Shroud 3 3518 Steering Column Bearing Sleeve 4 3517 Steering Column Bearing 5 3511 Steering Column Lock Cylinder Housing 6 13K359 Multi-Function Switch 7 N808114 Pin 8 N805857 Steering Column Release Lever Pin 9 3D544 Steering Column Release Lever 10 3F609 Tilt Wheel Handle and Shank 11 7361 Column Shift Selector Lever Plunger 12 7210 Gearshift Lever 13 3D657 Steering Column Shaft 14 7B071 Transmission Control Selector Lever Plunger Spring 15 7G357 Gearshift Lever Pin 16 7212 Transmission Column Shift Selector Tube 17 N806582 Tilt Column Pivot Screw 18 7C464 Transmission Control Selector Lever Spring Clip 19 7E400 Gearshift Tube Bushing Clamp 20 - Spacer (Fixed Column) 21 3E729 Steering Shaft (Fixed Column) 22 3F527 Lever Assembly (Manual Transmission) 23 3F530 Pin (Manual Transmission) 24 3F752 Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid 25 7335 Gearshift Lever Socket Bushing 26 7A216 Transmission Shift Selector Position Insert 27 7302 Transmission Selector Lever Arm and Support 28 7E395 Shift Cable and Bracket 29 7210 Gearshift Lever 30 3E691 Steering Column Shift Lock Pawl 31 7W441 Gearshift Lever Pin 32 3676 Steering Column Instrument Panel Bracket 33 3D681 Steering Column Lower Bearing Retainer 34 3517 Steering Column Bearing Sleeve 35 3L539 Steering Column Bearing Tolerance Ring 36 3C674 Steering Column Lower Bearing Spring 37 3C131 Sensor Ring 38 3518 Steering Column Bearing 39 N806423-S56 Steering Column Retaining Nuts 40 14A163 Wiring Harness Retainer 41 3F723 Steering Actuator Housing 42 3B663 Steering Column Lock Lever Pin 43 11572 Ignition Switch 44 3D655 Steering Column Position Spring 45 3D653 Steering Column Locking Lever (LH) 46 3B768 Steering Column Position Lock Spring 47 3B662 Steering Column Locking Lever (RH) 48 3E715 Lower Steering Column Lock Actuator 49 3E696 Steering Column Lock Spring 50 3E691 Steering Column Shaft Lock Pawl 51 3E723 Upper Steering Column Lock Lever Actuator 52 3E695 Steering Column Lock Cam 53 3D656 Steering Column Tilt Flange Bumper 54 14A163 Wiring Harness Retainer 55 391727-S304 Shroud Screws 56 3530 Steering Column Shroud 57 3E717 Steering Column Lock Gear 58 3E700 Steering Column Lock Housing Bearing 59 3C610 Bearing Retainer 60 11582 Ignition Switch Lock Cylinder 61 3L539 Steering Column Tolerance Ring 62 3520 Steering Column Upper Bearing Spring 63 3C610 Snap Ring

SECTION 501-12: Instrument Panel and Console 2003 Taurus/Sable Workshop Manual REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Procedure revision date: 01/21/2004 Instrument Panel Printable View (307 KB) Removal and Installation

1. Depower the supplemental restraint system (SRS). For additional information, refer to Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Depowering and Repowering in Section 501-20B.

1. If equipped with a floor console selector lever, remove the selector lever. For additional information, refer to Section 307-05.

1. Remove the front door scuff plates.

1. Position the front door weather-strips aside.

1. NOTE: When installing the A-pillar trim panels, be sure the alignment tabs are positioned correctly.
   Remove the A-pillar trim panels.

1. NOTE: Lift upwards on the rear edge of the defroster grille then slide rearward to remove.
   Remove the defroster grille.
   • If equipped, disconnect the sunload/headlamp sensor electrical connector.

1. Remove the three instrument panel cowl top bolts.

1. Release the parking brake cable from the parking brake actuator.
   1. Release the cable from the parking brake actuator.
   1. Release the cable conduit from the parking brake actuator.

1. Remove the parking brake release handle.
   1. Remove the retainer clip.
   1. Remove the parking brake release handle.

1. Disconnect the generic electronic module (GEM) electrical connector.

1. Loosen the bolts and disconnect the bulkhead electrical connectors.

1. Loosen the bolt and disconnect the steering column bulkhead electrical connector.

1. Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering column.
   1. Remove the pinch bolt.
   1. Separate the intermediate shaft from the steering column.

1. If equipped with a steering column selector lever, disconnect the transmission shift cable.
   1. Disconnect the cable from the steering column shift tube lever.
   1. Disconnect the cable from the steering column bracket.

1. Remove the pin-type retainers and the passenger side instrument panel insulator.

1. Disconnect the blower motor, resistor block and blend door actuator jumper harness.

1. Remove the two instrument panel side finish panels.

1. Remove the four instrument panel cowl side bolts.

1. NOTE: This step requires an assistant.
   Remove the instrument panel.

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

your problem with the gear selector is in the item 25 these are 2 plastic bushings that wear out and cause the gear selector feels loose, you should also check the item 27 this item has one or two screws loose and cause the gear selector feels loose



Item Part Number Description 10 3F609 Tilt Wheel Handle and Shank 11 7361 Column Shift Selector Lever Plunger 12 7210 Gearshift Lever 13 3D657 Steering Column Shaft 14 7B071 Transmission Control Selector Lever Plunger Spring 15 7G357 Gearshift Lever Pin 16 7212 Shift Tube 17 N806582 Tilt Column Pivot Screw 18 7C464 Transmission Control Selector Lever Spring Clip 19 7E400 Gearshift Tube Bushing Clamp 20 - Spacer (Fixed Column) 21 3E729 Steering Shaft (Fixed Column) 22 3F527 Lever Assembly (Manual Transmission) 23 3F530 Pin (Manual Transmission) 24 3F752 Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid 25 7335 Gearshift Lever Socket Bushing 26 7A216 Transmission Shift Selector Position Insert 27 7302 Transmission Selector Lever Arm and Support 28 7E395 Shift Cable and Bracket 29 7210 Gearshift Lever 30 3E691 Steering Column Lock Pawl

geode07 : Not knowing which shift solenoid you are seeking, I will give you both.
The first has to do with the internals of the transmission. The "Transmission" shift solenoid referenced there is located within the main control body assembly.
The second is referred to as a "Shift interlock Solenoid"
This is located within the steering column.

ford had a recall on the atoumatic transmission shift cabel retention.if the transmission shift cabel assembeled to the steering column bracket is not fully seated,the tranmission shift cabel may slip out of the bracket.should the shift cabel become detached,the driver may not be abel to shift transmission gears or correctly determine the transmission gear position using your gear selector indicator.this condition could lead to unintended vehicle movement in direction other than indicated on your gear selector indicator.in addition,this condition could prevent the vihicle from being restarted. samboiv