Community Forums

Bibiloshem · 06-20-2017, 05:44 PM

Hi All
I have a 2000 Pace Arrow. Ford F53 and my shift cable acts like its is got a bind in it or needs lubricating. It shifts hard when I put it in gear, other than that everything works fine. Anybody have that kind of problem?

thanks in advance

BFlinn181 · 06-20-2017, 07:03 PM

Here's results of a search on the forum:

https://www.google.com/search?q=f53+...earch=irv2.com

Some reports of cables getting melted on exhaust, some years were recalled, etc.

airshot · 06-20-2017, 07:33 PM

My chevy has a shift linkage that was worn and slightly bent causing difficulty in shifting. A replacement linkage for less than 80 bucks solved everything and was a less than 30 min install job.

BFlinn181 · 06-20-2017, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airshot

My chevy has a shift linkage that was worn and slightly bent causing difficulty in shifting. A replacement linkage for less than 80 bucks solved everything and was a less than 30 min install job.

Problem is, the OP has an F53 Ford. The shift cable for many year models is no longer stocked or made by Ford. They can be very difficult to find. A good outboard marine shop may be able to make one for you if you bring them the old one.

JIMBO34PA · 06-20-2017, 08:23 PM

the trans range sensor has a tendency to get rusty and seize up . disconnect the cable from the shift linkage at trans and you will be amazed the ease of shifting . the range sensor (neutral switch) gets rusty . sometimes a heavy dose of penetrating spray (not wd40) will help . loosening the 2 bolts and prying sensor away from linkage allows more penetrant to soak in . if not replace TR sensor PB Blaster or Rust Bust works good

Bibiloshem · 06-23-2017, 12:59 PM

Hey all,
Thank you all for the input. I did find the problem and it was'nt the shift cable. The bushing on the Transmission shift lever was seized on the ball socket and it was a matter of getting it off and removing the rust on the ball on the shift lever. But, although a part of the problem, it was not all of it. The bushing on the range sensor was seized on the shift lever stud. The stud and the ball are made of steel and tend to rust, therefore creating the problem.
I do not have the range sensor off yet and I think that I will have to destroy it to get it off the stud its rusted so bad. I do'nt know what kind of keeper holds the sensor to the stud, I'm sure there is one.
But that is the problem of the stiff shifter. Again Thank you all so much.

Julius Evans.

369dragster · 06-23-2017, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bibiloshem

Hey all,
Thank you all for the input. I did find the problem and it was'nt the shift cable. The bushing on the Transmission shift lever was seized on the ball socket and it was a matter of getting it off and removing the rust on the ball on the shift lever. But, although a part of the problem, it was not all of it. The bushing on the range sensor was seized on the shift lever stud. The stud and the ball are made of steel and tend to rust, therefore creating the problem.
I do not have the range sensor off yet and I think that I will have to destroy it to get it off the stud its rusted so bad. I do'nt know what kind of keeper holds the sensor to the stud, I'm sure there is one.
But that is the problem of the stiff shifter. Again Thank you all so much.

Julius Evans.

Once you get the shifter lever off there are 2 8mm bolts that hold the Trans Range sensor on. You can try to put a pair of needle nose pliers behind the sensor and pry it off but most likely you will have to use a chisel to get it off. When you get the sensor off lightly tap around the shaft with a small hammer to get the rust off. The lever needs to be in nuetral to line up the two marks when you put the new one back on. Then the shifter will be smooth as butter.