Motorhome Magazine Open Roads Forum: Tech Issues: f53 won't shift out of park


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gbunt64

United States

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Posted: 06/20/09 12:44pm

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Mine is a 1996 with the master cylinder down on the frame. I can't believe the brake light switch is NOT adjustable. Are you sure that's right?

1996 Itasca 34 Foot Suncrusier
Banks Power Packed 460 Ford POWER

Pirate

Fall Branch, TN

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Posted: 06/20/09 05:34pm

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RLS7201 wrote:

Pirate wrote:

When you replace that switch, please post the part number here. I think I will carry a spare.

Pirate,
Some of the 96 and older parts may not work on your 97. Ford made some serious design changes for 97. As an example, your master cylinder is mounted on the fire wall, while older F53s have the master cylinder mounted on the left frame rail. The rear springs were also changed for 97. Not all F53 are created equal.

Thanks, I had no idea. What else is different?

97 Itasca Suncruiser F-53
2006 Vantage Mobility Dodge Grand Caravan

RLS7201

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Posted: 06/20/09 09:22pm

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gbunt64 wrote:

Mine is a 1996 with the master cylinder down on the frame. I can't believe the brake light switch is NOT adjustable. Are you sure that's right?

Ya just got to love this forum. There's so much bad information posted, you won't even believe a picture. If you figure out how to adjust it, you'll be the first. Ford has been using this type of switch since the 60s.

gbunt64

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Posted: 06/21/09 06:25pm

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If it's not adjustable, then why do I have to STAND ON IT to get the shifter out of PARK? What is the solution to my problem?

Dutch_12078

Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

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Posted: 06/21/09 07:59pm

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gbunt64 wrote:

If it's not adjustable, then why do I have to STAND ON IT to get the shifter out of PARK? What is the solution to my problem?

A worn switch would require more pedal travel to actuate it. Replacing the switch should cure it.

Dutch
'95 Coachmen Catalina 322XL
F-53 chassis, 460 V8
Bigfoot EZE-Leveler jacks

gbunt64

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Posted: 06/21/09 08:08pm

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Dutch_12078 wrote:

gbunt64 wrote:

If it's not adjustable, then why do I have to STAND ON IT to get the shifter out of PARK? What is the solution to my problem?

A worn switch would require more pedal travel to actuate it. Replacing the switch should cure it.

Thanks, I'll try that.

Pirate

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Posted: 06/27/09 06:01pm

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Did you fix your problem?

gbunt64

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Posted: 06/28/09 06:57am

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I adjusted the linkage from the brake bell crank above the floor, to the master cylinder below the floor. The adjustment lowers the pedal closer to the floor. It is now about the same height as the gas pedal(foot feed for us old guys). Problem solved! I do allow some more time between pushing the pedal and moving the shifter.