2003-2006 Ford Expedition Shift Indicator Problem Fixed

After much fiddling around with my dash, I think I may have resolved this problem that’s been bugging me ever since I bought the truck. The shift indicator (PRND21) on the dash would stay on either Drive, 2, or 1, and would not return to the Park, Reverse or Neutral settings.
Had to take apart most of the dashboard to get to it, but after lubricating, and running it back-and-forth, I think I may have resolved the problem for the most part.

[@codyrains103]

I found a good solution to this thanks to you. I took your steps a bit further. That needle is set into a plastic sliding rail. You can pull down from underneath it and get it out. Once I had the rail out, I tried white lithium grease. Made it worse so I wiped it off. Next I slathered some brake caliper grease on it, worked like a charm. Thank you for your help.

[@azgunrunner]

Remove the lower plastic under the steering wheel. Should be four 7mm screws. Then the hood release from the metal plate should be two 7mm screws. Then the metal plate, should be four 8mm bolts. You should be able to look under the right side of the steering wheel. Worst case you can also remove the lower plastic part of the steering column, should be two Phillips screws.

[@joetoscano3875]

Kevin, so you can access the cable from the top of the steering column by removing that piece that goes around the ignition and shifter?

[@tincanboat]

I just bought a 2006 expedition in great 94000 miles. It won't go into park, it shows it is in park but it is in R. I can start it by going past N and I can go into drive by shifting almost into 2 . shifts through all 4 gears and goes into OD. in town I get 16-17 mpg. it has a 5.4L 3 valve.

[@Alika.8o8]

It’s 3 gears and OD. 4th is technically it’s OD.

[@irmagarcia9082]

Have you tried stearing bushings New onece makes a difference

[@efrensaclolo7021]

How did you remove the bottom panel to access the thumb wheel adjustor.I removed the 3 screws down the bottom but still somewhere at the top still holding it that I can't see a clip or screw.

[@TacticalBuffoonary]

You have to remove the bezel around the radio.