How to reconnect overdrive button wire???

Beauzeau · Jul 25, 2015

I was in the process of removing the center console on my 2005 focus wagon. The book that I have (chilton) tells me to remove the knob from the automatic shifter. I did as the book instructed, which was to remove the small screw on the side of the shifter knob and then pull the knob off the top.

When I did, two things came off with the shifter knob, a rod that I assume is the button actuator for the actual shifting, and a pair of wires with a 2 pin connector at the bottom. Then the book says "installation is the reverse of removal". That's very cute, but I can't even see how both of these items had enough room to even travel down this shifter tube together, much less have any room to RECONNECT the overdrive wire. I can see the connector, down at the botton of the shifter tube. How do I put this back together?????

Please help!

Thanks!

zetecDon · Jul 25, 2015

Moved to "General Technical Chat".

iminhell · Jul 26, 2015

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/...com/forum/mk1-interior-mods-upgrades/49120-how-install-shift-knob-boot-atx.html

MartinUK · Jun 19, 2017

Luckily the socket for the wire from the overdrive on/off button is firmly attached to a metal lever that moves when the gear shift lever is moved back and forth. To see the socket leave the lever in the normal "P" (Park) position and unclip the fancy trim that surrounds the top plate which has P,R,N,D,2,1 on it. There are 3 spring clips, one at each side of the plate and one at the back of it. Lift off the fancy trim by pulling it firmly up and back so that its front lip comes out of a slot. When it is loose you can pull out the front part of the plastic strip that moves back and forth along with the gear shift lever - it is very flexible and won't snap - so you can bend it up and hold it out of the way. The socket can then be seen if you look down directly in front of the gear shift lever. You may need to shine a flashlight down to see it. You should also see the plug dangling down on the end of the wire that comes down from the overdrive on/off button. The problem now is how to get that plug into the right position to push it firmly into the socket! Professional repairers probably have a special tool that clips onto the plug to hold it firmly so they can push it directly into the socket. It can be done relatively easily without needing such a tool if you get two of those wood coffee-stirrer sticks from Starbucks/McDonalds etc. Cut the rounded end off one of them so it can be used as a "pusher". Hold one stick in each hand. Using one hand you can then use the uncut stick to press the side of the plug gently against the part of the metal lever that is just above the socket. The idea is to stop the plug from going past the socket whilst you use the stick with the flat end to push it down into the socket. First get the end of the plug into the top of the socket and then press it down firmly into the socket. Then refit the fancy trim: first take care to locate the front lip into its socket and then press down firmly to press the 3 clips down into their slots.

amc49 · Jun 20, 2017

How odd.........one that can think............now if we only had a few million more of those..........

How to reconnect overdrive button wire???

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