Console shift lever and instrument cluster not "talking"

Asked by GuruTTQZY Jun 20, 2018 at 10:02 AM about the 2011 Ford F-150 Platinum SuperCrew 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

On my 2011 F-150, 4 X 4,  (bought new with 125K extended warranty):
My console gear shift will go into park, but the indicator light on the instrument cluster will not light.  As a result, the truck apparently does not know it is in park. as a result, my key will not come out of the ignition.  The truck will turn off, but the key has to stay in the ignition, a dangerous situation in our area.  How to find the relay, or connector, and replace?

2 Answers

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Ford Explorers and other passenger cars made by Ford of your vintage have a problem with the park detect switch which is part of the shift cluster mechanism on the console. You may have a similar setup on your f 150. If the detect switch is faulty it will not release the key from the mechanism. Some individuals get around it by pulling the "trigger" on the shift lever in rapid succession. Like firing a pistol in rapid fashion. If your warranty is still in effect, bring it into Ford. ON explorers the entire shift mechanism must be changed as the Park Detect Switch is not a separate part. Part is about 300 bucks plus labor.

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I'm trying now to get an appointment to repair the park detect switch. There is a waiting time of several weeks due to the recall recently F-150 trucks for issues. I now have a new issue. My key is still stuck in the ignition, but when I turn off the engine a message comes on my screen: "Battery Saver - System Off Please start the engine" I find no mention of the Battery Saver in my owners manual or in my Haynes Repair Manual. Des anyone know what this is?

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