How to Align a Car Shift Indicator

Shift Indicator Repair. This video will show you how to align the PRND indicator for an automatic car, specifically a Ford, Mazda, Lincoln, or Mercury. I will show you how to identify the problem, fix the broken piece, adjust the gear so that the indicator lines up with the letters on the dash.

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[glennthomson]

Clear, concise no small talk, perfect video and dialogue. I've saved this to go fix my 2004 Ranger tomorrow. Thanks Chris.

[jackie]

This problem on any vehicle has always driven me absolutely nuts. I'm going to ask a higher price when I sell my car now :D "Look at the alignment on that gear shift. That shit's brand new."

[joegreen]

what amazes me, you find someone who can show you something worth watching, and clearly can operate a camera

[wrichardwilliams]

Nicely edited vid. No wind noise and no useless info. Very nice.

[crescentbeach]

This was my EXACT problem. Thanks for making a vid that CLEARLY shows how to fix it. Really nicely done! Thanks ;)

[isidroalvarez]

You make everything look so simple, that I love the way you show and teach. I'm learning a lot . Thank you.

[fireandricenaples-theorigi]

My 2002 F150 shift indicator just broke and I was so happy that you had a video that covered this issue. Unfortunately my cable bracket was broken in three places and the epoxy wouldn't work. I was lucky as one of my local auto parts stores actually had one in stock. Everything went just like the video and I was able to have everything repaired for under $15 and an hour of my time. Many thanks, Chris!

[labradormcgraw]

I don't drive auto transmission vehicles; I'll never need to do this repair. But I still watched the whole video from start to finish - how he makes them so entertaining I'll never know. You just CANNOT beat a ChrisFix video.

[thatcomicdad]

I'm not a mechanic by any means but I fixed my problem with your helpful video. Thanks so much

[toddlabonte]

I was literally going to change the steering column in my 99 Ranger XLT because I thought I had linkage problems or a bad column, you just saved me a ton of money!

[vintageresurrections]

Thank you SO much for this video. It was much easier than I thought to replace the broken gear indicator piece. I was also glad that you added the part about checking the screws to the shifter, as mine were loose too. Took about 30 minutes to remove, replace, secure the bolts, and put the panel back on!

[shelenah]

I did it! I am a lady of 59 and my 99 Ranger that looks exactly like your truck, color and all, had this problem. I ran across your video instructions and followed them exactly! It took me about an  hour and I epoxied and used the zip ties. With your videos I can do these repairs and save money. Thank you ChrisFix!

[chipmalee]

UPDATE: Fixed it!!! Thank you Thank you @ChrisFix!!! Now my shifter feels new and my truck feels like it can run another 100k. Here's what happened. I couldn't find 1/2 of the supplies at Pep Boys so I decided to disassemble the dash to take a peak and see if I need to order the plastic part from Amazon. It took about 2-1/2 hours because I had to squeeze in upside down like in some weird sex position to see underneath the dash. I also used a handheld mirror placed on the floor mat so I wouldn't have to disassemble the screws while upside down. As it turned out, the plastic was in tact and all I had to do was adjust the little wheel. Then the gear stick was still a little loose so I located the gear screw like you show in the video. Since I didn't have any blue adhesive, I just tighten the gear screw which was loose. Wow...right away I could feel the shifter stop being loose. (I'll go back after I find the blue adhesive) Meanwhile I'm all upside down and cursing because it was really tight. I know when I asked my mechanic about this months ago, they didn't want to deal with it because they figured this was going to be a costly diagnostic problem so I have to ask you:


1. How did you know that plastic and wheel was the problem and the screw at the gear shift was loose? I would have logically assumed something was going on with the stick and disassembled the dash.


2. How did you film all of this? I could not even get my hands or head under and in between all those wires to get to the screws.


Anyways, you are a !#$%^ inspiration. I'm going to show my mechanic your "Cranks but won't start" video and see if I can do that myself since they tried some diagnostic and coil replacement stuff and the truck still shakes like crazy at 2000 rpm.

Can you list (or link & size) all the equipment and supplies necessary, as I don't have any of them, and will need to buy them at the local Pep Boys? Epoxy, blue adhesive, threaded torque wrench, zip ties.

I wonder why auto designers use a plastic part instead of metal? They must be idiots if the newer model trucks use the same design.

I have a 1999 Mazda truck which has the same exact problems as ChrisFix... down to the dead instrument lights. It's like finding a long lost brother with the same cancer LOL.

The other day, my truck just died in the parking lot. It took me a hour of slamming the gear shift back and forth until some mysterious reason, it started back up again.

[cloviscareca]

Why am I watching this? I'm supposed to be studying right now! I don't even have a car...

[christubrett]

I just bought an 09 Mazda b4000, and all of your content has been God sent. You've saved me a fortune fixing my vehicles over the years, and now I have all these videos about my specific truck! Thanks Chrisfix, keep up the good work

[wyattsdad]

Totally worked, thank you again for your time in making this video! I used epoxy and for a back up, I used two zip ties. Tonight is the first night, so hopefully the epoxy holds. At the very least, I learned how to easily remove the bottom of the dash, locate the part and if I need to I'll get a new one if this doesn't hold. A+ sir! A tip of the cap to you.

[Bluebird-qdrx]

FYI, the plastic piece that was glued can be ordered new from Amazon. Dorman 83244 Auto Transmission Shift Indicator Bracket. Thank you for this video. I just purchased a 1999 Mazda B4000 and with the help of this video it was an easy fix.

[Emilmarch]

About 5-6 years ago, something happened, Chris completely changed the way he shoots his videos. Still the same content but the energy is completely different. The old “hey guys” part was shot in zombie mode, the new one “cheerful zombie slayer” 😁.

[soylentgreenish]

Chris, no matter the problem you always have a fix for it, it’s Amazing how much time and aggravation you have save me, not just my car but others I help, I sincerely thank you from my humble heart, your April fools ones are great one as well

[mysavoirJesus]

I love your channel, it’s just a tutorial! No fancy frills and unnecessary editing, love what u do :)