Selector Lever Cable: Removal

All vehicles 

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.

Vehicles with 2.3L (PZEV) engine 

2. Remove the battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES article.

Vehicles with 2.0L Zetec-E (Zetec) engine 

3. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES article.
4. Remove the air cleaner. For additional information, refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION AND FILTERING article.

All vehicles 

CAUTION: Excessive bending of the flexible exhaust pipe may cause damage resulting in failure. Support the flexible exhaust pipe with a support wrap or suitable splint.
5. Support the flexible exhaust pipe, using a suitable wrap.
Fig 1: Locating Flexible Exhaust Pipe
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6. Disconnect the front exhaust pipe and detach the support isolators.
   • Discard the gasket.
Fig 2: Locating Front Exhaust Pipe Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Disconnect the center exhaust hanger and support the exhaust with wire.
Fig 3: Locating Center Exhaust Hanger
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the exhaust heat shield.
   • Unclip the selector lever cable.
Fig 4: Locating Exhaust Heat Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Disconnect the selector lever cable from the selector lever bracket and manual control lever.
   1. Disconnect the shift cable end from the manual control lever.
   2. Depress the tabs on the shift cable and remove the cable from the bracket.
Fig 5: Identifying Shift Cable And Selector Lever Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Remove the floor console. For additional information, refer to INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CONSOLE article.
11. Remove the selector lever cable from the selector lever.
    1. Shift the selector lever to PARK.
    2. Unclip the selector lever cable.
    3. Unclip the selector lever cable outer sleeve.
Fig 6: Removing Selector Lever Cable From Selector Lever
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Remove the center armrest brace.
Fig 7: Locating Center Armrest Brace
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: LH side shown.
13. Remove the center console lower trim panels.
    • Remove the screws.
    • Release the clip.
Fig 8: Locating Center Console Lower Trim Panels Screws And Clip
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
14. Remove the footwell heater channel.
Fig 9: Locating Footwell Heater Channel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: RH side shown.
15. Remove the heater housing cover.
    • Unclip the 4 clips.
    • Remove the 2 screws.
Fig 10: Locating Heater Housing Cover Clips And Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Heat exchanger shown removed.
16. Detach the floor covering and the insulator material and position it aside.
Fig 11: Detaching Floor Covering
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
17. Attach a suitable length of draw cord to the transaxle end of the selector lever cable and secure it to the transaxle.
18. Remove the selector lever cable grommet nuts and the grommet.
Fig 12: Locating Selector Lever Cable Grommet Nuts And Grommet
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
19. Remove the selector lever cable.
    • Pull the cable and draw cord through the floor panel.