Ford 500 shifter knob/relay rod(?) repair help
 

Hello!

I am trying to help my friend figure out how to repair the shifter knob linkage (relay rod?) on her automatic 2006 Ford 500. The button on the knob stopped functioning and and has been removed. I have looked at an online diagram of the shifter parts and can see that the plastic linkage should extend beyond the gear shift lever by an inch or so - Hers is broken off about half an inch below the top of the lever. She can shift by using a pen or screwdriver to push it down, but wants to fix it. I'm not sure of the actual name of the part (linkage? relay rod?) or if it's a complex repair. From the diagram it looks like it probably links to the cable that allows shifting, but there isn't enough detail in the image. Can we disassemble the shifter lever area and replace the part from inside the car, or is it an "under-the-car-gonna-need-a-pro" kind of job? Any help with the name of the part and replacement procedure will be greatly appreciated. I am attaching the diagram that I found on the Ford parts site. Thanks!