I have a 2002 f350. Randomly it won't start. The problem has been getting continually worse. At first you could just move the shifter and it would start. I was the problem was the solenoid on that the side of the transmission. I change that and the problem is still occurring. There is a lot of play in the shifter. My question is should I replace the cable next or the shifter bushings? Or would both be the solution. The truck is not new I would say well broke in with 245000 miles. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the site..

If the shifter is just sloppy, or you have to shift/position hunt..

First look up at the cable/lever attachment at the base of the steering column. Just above your feet. The shifter cable is attached to the lower shift tube lever with 2 torx screws that love to come loose. Column bushing and clamps too, but many times the shift arm is the culprit. They do crack/break the tube, half clamps and bushings on the tube, but check for other conditions first, more so if the issue has worsened quickly...

 

Here's a quick image of what/where to look..

 

I checked those screws and they are tight. It looks pretty tough to get to the bushings and replace them. On a side note what is that string attached to the bottom of the shift tube?

 

The bushings do wear out, and sometimes the shoulder will wear away on the bushing/s and they walk out of the clamp and slot.. The clamping screws come loose at times too, or once in a while the half clamps break..

Its really not too bad to change the bushings. Just lowering the front of the column will get you enough room to get topside of the column assy. for the change.

The string your refering to,, if forward and under the column just inside the panel is the shift indicator cable.. It 'has to' be released and unbolted from the column before lowering, or it will break at either end...

Here's one I did a while back,, you can see the amount of room with the column lowered a bit..

Also,, on the trans range sensor, did you align the pointers on the sensor? The center part that turns and sensor body are scribed and need to be aligned.. Just a thought..

 

I have check everything and still can't get the motor to turn over. I have moved on to the starter now as a possible diagnosis. I have 12.4 volts to the syliniod on top the motor and down on the starter. I tried jumping across the syliniod on the starter and the starter won't turn. Is there something that would keep the starter from turning by jumping across the two pole?