Rolling in park

[Jacksonlucas1312]

So back in August, my parking brakes were seized… Which doesn’t even make any sense because I used them every day… But two mechanics said it would be around $300 to fix, and they both recommended that I don’t get it fixed and just leave it...

However, that’s not the issue… The issue is that when I got home today, I was in my driveway, which is a very very slight decline, and when I put my vehicle in park, I stayed in the vehicle and was on my phone for a few minutes. While sitting there, I noticed that I was rolling down the driveway!

my vehicle was in park that’s for sure, and I was still rolling… So I reversed back up the driveway, put a rock on the ground to show where the tire was, and I went behind the vehicle and pushed it, sure enough I pushed it 4 feet with the vehicle in park...

i’m concerned, because now, my parking brakes aren’t the best, and apparently my vehicle doesn’t stay in park…

however, about five minutes later, I conducted the same test and it seemed the vehicle actually WAS IN park.... And didn't move anymore than the normal inch or two. So I don’t know if there’s something wrong with my transmission, or if the computer was not telling the vehicle to go into park correctly.

either way, I’m concerned because I plan on doing a lot of driving this weekend, and I’m unable to get to the dealer until next Wednesday… I just need to know if it’s safe to drive given that if I’m parked somewhere in public, I don’t want it rolling away...

any input would be greatly appreciated!

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[Bsthroop]

I would only feel safe if I could park against a curb or something that would prevent it from rolling.

 

[bill_AUS]

How far did it move? Remember that park is engaging a pawl against a gear. There is lash that allows the output shaft to rotate a little, combine this with the rest of the driveline lash, suspension torque-up etc and you can get perhaps 3-4 inches of movement in park.
Edit, sorry, didn't actually read your full post. There was a recall earlier on about the park pawl roll pin falling out, this may be something worth investigating under warranty?

 

[Jacksonlucas1312]

Thank you! Do you know if that recall is for my 2021 Ranger?? And where did you find it?

 

[Frenchy]

And this is why you engage the parking break(if it works) and also make sure it's in good working order.

 

[fjwlobo]

This might be something that you can look at. It doesn't specify the Ranger, but does talk about the issue you are having on other Ford vehicles. May be something you can give as a reference when you take it to dealership.

https://jalopnik.com/ford-to-recall-bronco-mustang-explorer-f-150-and-av-1850143073

 

[Jacksonlucas1312]

Wow! Definitely relevant... Thank you!

 

[Frenchy]

This might be something that you can look at. It doesn't specify the Ranger, but does talk about the issue you are having on other Ford vehicles. May be something you can give as a reference when you take it to dealership.

https://jalopnik.com/ford-to-recall-bronco-mustang-explorer-f-150-and-av-1850143073

If not mistaken the Ranger did have that recall. It only applied to certain build dates

 

[airline tech]

If not mistaken the Ranger did have that recall. It only applied to certain build dates

Recall was for shift cable (locking clip-not fully seated)
Build Dates: Feb 28 - March 18, 2020 - Only

 

[fjwlobo]

This is the recall @airline tech is referring to I believe.

Recall date
2020-04-02

Recall no.
20V197000

https://www.cars.com/research/ford-ranger-2020/recalls/

 

[9zero1790]

i could be mistaken but i bet its electronic related. our shift lever is not actually moving mechanical parts in the transmission into a gate etc. the park setting not working paired with the no parking brake sounds like a lot of poop waiting to hit a spinning fan... maybe get a couple of wheel stoppers to place in front and behind a tire when you stop some place just to be safe until it gets fixed. I use a rubber wedge shape one from harbor freight and it works really well as my bump stop for a tight garage. they are about 7 bucks.

 

[airline tech]

i could be mistaken but i bet its electronic related. our shift lever is not actually moving mechanical parts in the transmission into a gate etc. the park setting not working paired with the no parking brake sounds like a lot of poop waiting to hit a spinning fan... maybe get a couple of wheel stoppers to place in front and behind a tire when you stop some place just to be safe until it gets fixed. I use a rubber wedge shape one from harbor freight and it works really well as my bump stop for a tight garage. they are about 7 bucks.

No, it is a shift cable moving a lever on the transmission.

FYI The Recall pertains to this Locking Clip if this is not seated the Gear Selector can be placed into park but the lever at the transmission is not being fully moved to the park position.
Again, this recall only covers the 2020 with a build date Feb 28 - March 18
So, it is highly suspect this might be your issue.

So, to picture what may be happening, the flex movement being allowed by the clip will allow the gear selector to be placed in park and the cable (Flex) will not push forward far enough to actually move the lever on the transmission. (Too Much Slack-In the cable)

It's under the center console I would check that clip in case it has popped out of place, I believe that is either this clip or the cable needs adjusted. You may be able to pull the boot and gain access to this, if not the console will have to be pulled up.

 

[Jacksonlucas1312]

Wow! Very useful, thank you!

 

[9zero1790]

No, it is a shift cable moving a lever on the transmission.

FYI The Recall pertains to this Locking Clip if this is not seated the Gear Selector can be placed into park but the lever at the transmission is not being fully moved to the park position.
Again, this recall only covers the 2020 with a build date Feb 28 - March 18
So, it is highly suspect this might be your issue.

So, to picture what may be happening, the flex movement being allowed by the clip will allow the gear selector to be placed in park and the cable (Flex) will not push forward far enough to actually move the lever on the transmission. (Too Much Slack-In the cable)

It's under the center console I would check that clip in case it has popped out of place, I believe that is either this clip or the cable needs adjusted. You may be able to pull the boot and gain access to this, if not the console will have to be pulled up.

excellent info ! you are a valuable member here, i remember you running down problems for others more than once.

 

[Racket]

This article from last summer, F150 with the 10R80. The author found the problem via a diagnostic tool while driving since the truck wasn't throwing codes. Valve body repair was needed. 20,000 miles on it.
https://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/10r80-slips-into-the-drink/

Might not apply here, I'll post in the transmission thread.

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