My girlfriend's 02 Explorer has trouble shifting into Park. Dealer informed her that the steering column solenoid should be replaced. I offered to do it but need help in disabling the airbag so that it doesn't deploy, and any guidance where this thing is located and how to do it. Thanks in advance.

 

Generally it's more common for them to not come 'out' of park, but are known to fail.. Solenoid gets weak.. There's actually a 'release' access slot on the bottom of the column shroud.. I can send you the depowering/power instructions for the SRS, but have done them without any problems just pulling the column shrouds.. The solenoid is about 40.00.. The Interlock instruction shows the column to be replaced for a Shift Interlock failure, so manual info doesn't cover the solenoid replacement alone... Although it is available seperate at the dealer level, and I can send you ignition replacement which puts you in the general area...

Here's a pic of the release slot....

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