1996 RAM VAN 46RE, WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED IN PARK THE PARK WILL SLIP AND RATCHET AND WILL NOT HOLD THE VEHILCLE. I HAVE PULLED THE SHIFT CABLE OFF AND PUSHED SELECTOR ALL THE WAY INTO THE PARK POSITION AND VEHICLE STILL RATCHETS. ALSO HAVE PULLED THE OVERDRIVE UNIT AND TRANS PAN CANNOT FIND ANY MISSING OR DAMAGED PARTS.

Hello. It seems your Ford Econoline van has a gear shift 'lever' and 'linkage' issue. The 'interlock' locking mechanism is worn on your van. When one 'slaps' and 'manhandles levers, this is what happens; especially as the vehicle ages. The speedometer cable on that van, also, needs to be replaced. This is why your van's speedometer is malfunctioning. Good luck and keep me informed; if you want to.

https://itstillruns.com/dodge-truck-wont-go-park-7998915.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-ram-tech/390161-48re-shift-lever-mod-fix.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-ram-van/345695-won-t-shift-into-park.html
https://www.dodgetalk.com/threads/truck-wont-go-into-park.513785/


https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2002-dodge-ram-wont-shift-into-park

rtm? no symptoms so i must guess, ill say , cant shift. and is not park lock out causing that.
want to read the manual or me to you.'?
ill guess you.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowledge-base/index.htm?utm_source=cj#service

click 1996 to 2001
it replaces like all cables do
detach both ends and remove it. if clamps seen those too.
what matters is adjustment is needed.

some have 2 cables, one to gear box and one to ignition switch.
Chapter 21, page 150 states
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission into Park.
(2) Remove shift lever bezel and necessary console
parts for access to shift lever assembly.
(3) Disconnect cable at shift lever and feed cable
through dash panel opening to underside of vehicle.
(4) Raise vehicle.
(5) Disengage cable eyelet at transmission shift
lever and pull cable adjuster out of mounting
bracket. Then remove old cable from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Route cable through hole in dash panel. Fully
seat cable grommet into dash panel.
(2) Place the auto transmission manual shift control
lever in "Park" detent (rearmost) position and
rotate prop shaft to ensure transmission is in park.
(3) Connect shift cable to shifter mechanism by
snapping cable retaining ears into shifter bracket
and press cable end fitting onto lever ball stud.
(4) Place the floor shifter lever in park position.
Ensure that the pawl is seated within the confines of
the adjustment gauge clip.
(5) Snap the cable into the transmission bracket so
the retaining ears are engaged and connect cable end
fitting onto the manual control lever ball stud.
(6) Lock shift cable into position by pushing
upward on the adjusting lock button.
(7) Remove and discard the shift cable adjustment
gauge clip from the park gate of the shifter.

easy?

Sounds like the shifter is stuck in reverse or drive since it will roll.
I would set the parking brake and have someone watch the shift lever on the transmission to see if it and the shifter inside is still connected.

-Adjust the shift cable.

-Make sure parking brake is apply, block all wheels.
-Lose the shift cable connector at transmission control arm. Turn the arm to park position and push the shift handle to park, then tight it.

You should be good to go.

mai

It sounds as if your shift cable is out of adjustment. If you remove the air filter box and the hose at the throttle body you will be able to access the transmission shift lever, on top of the ******.Loosen the cable adjusting screw that is on the lever. Pull the lever all the way to its detent position which is Park. Release the parking brake and rock the vehicle to assure that it is in Park lock. Reset parking brake. In the cab, place the Shift lever in the Park position, return under the hood and tighten the cable adjusting screw. Your van will only start when the transmission is in Park or Neutral. Hope this helps! Dan Williams

brake-sahift interlock solenoid not working. check fuse first. when key is on and brake is pressed, it either activates or deactivates the solenoid so you can shift out of park. safety thing.
chrck owner manual for a mechanical overide process. maybe there is one.

Check if the shift cable is locked into it's bracket on the lower side of the steering column. Reinsert and wire tie it in place if it popped out.

shifter cable has moved from correct position.

Check underneath the vehicle to see if your gear selector is moved by a short cable from the gear shift.
It may adjusting a little or it has come out of it`s retaining clip.
Good Luck