[AT] OT - Pickup Trans Question - Resolution sort of

[Phil Auten]

Rob,
I don't know about the current models, but some of the older models had the 
switch attached to the top of the steering
column with screws in slotted holes. The switch might have slipped, causing 
your problem.
I also see that someone suggested the linkage may be out of adjustment. 
Given Aamco's reputation around here, I
wouldn't put it past them to have purposely misadjusted it or simply 
loosened a screw so it would slip out of adjustment.

Phil

At 02:28 PM 1/3/05, you wrote:
>As a follow up, I got the truck back from Aamco. They fixed the 
>speedometer problem after getting some parts from the Ford dealership. 
>They told me that the transmission still did not shift completely right 
>and asked me to authorizes $1,299 additional for them to drop the trans 
>and inspect it. If they found any more problems, parts and additional 
>labor would add to the $1,299. I said no and got the truck back (total 
>bill $300). It now shifts like it used to before the speedometer issue. In 
>their defense they never drove it when it shifted like it always does, and 
>it is fine for me altough it is a little sluggish in one gear.
>
>Unfortunately, I have encountered another problem with the vehicle since I 
>got it back from them and was curious if anyone here thinks it could be 
>related to a mistake made by Aamco. When I picked it up at Aamco they 
>drove it around so it was already running when I drove off. I brought it 
>home and it sat for several days. When I tried starting it again, it did 
>not want to turn over right and the problem seemed to be in the ignition. 
>I got it started a few times with a little difficulty in the ignition 
>switch each time, but today trying to start it only for the 4th time since 
>I got it back,  it won't start. Below are the symptoms:
>
>1) The key is put into the ignition, and when the key is turned to a 
>certain point as usual the check engine light and other dashboard lights 
>come on - OK so far
>2) Usually as with most vehicles a futher turning of the key is required 
>to start the truck, but the problem is the key won't turn any further in 
>the ignition
>3) I also noticed that when the key is turned to the point that the dash 
>lights come on, I can't change the transmission out of park on the 
>steering column. Unless I'm mistaken, usually the gears can be shifted 
>when the key is turned to this position and the steering wheel lock is 
>turned off.....
>
>This almost seems like a problem in my ignition switch, but it is weird 
>that the problem occured right after the truck being in their shop. Any 
>ideas or suggestions as to what is wrong?