2004 Intrepid transmission/coulumn shift problems

spring --damaged clip--debris --need to remove cover to access the bottom of shifter ---and possible shift interlock failure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LDkoecODII this link shows bypass and fixes

Do you have column or floor shifter ?
All automatic transaxle models use an electric park lock system. Within the housing assembly, a lock cylinder is connected to an actuator which rotates and engages on the electric park lock solenoid. When the floor-shift lever is not in the park position, the actuator disengages from the electric park lock solenoid slider. This allows the lock cylinder to move to the lock position. With the shift lever in PARK and the lock cylinder in LOCK, the actuator cam is positioned against the electric park lock solenoid slider. This prevents the shift lever from shifting out of the PARK position.
The column-shift automatic transaxle model uses a flexible cable actuator instead of an electric park lock system. One end of the cable is attached to the gate assembly. The other end of the cable is attached to the column mounted housing assembly. This system functions similarly to the floor-shift ignition lock system.
The manual transaxle model uses a push button lock cylinder. A clutch start switch is used. The clutch pedal must be pressed before the engine will crank. Refer to Park Lock System Check .
CAN you turn the key on ?
The gear selector does not shift out of PARK with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in RUN.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Always On with Ignition in Run
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No

1

Was the BTSI System Check performed?
--
Go to Step 2
Go to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check

2

Is this a column shift vehicle?
--
Go to Step 3 yes
Go to Step 4 no

3

1. Move the gear selector to the PARK position.
2. Disconnect the automatic transaxle control connector
3. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
4. Connect the test lamp between terminal B and ground.

Does the test lamp light?
--
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 8

4

1. Disconnect the brake switch connector C2.
2. Move the ignition switch to RUN.

Can you shift the transaxle out of the PARK position?
--
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 8

5

Is the brake switch adjusted properly?
--
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 7

6

Replace the brake switch.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

7

Adjust the brake switch.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

8

1. Disconnect the BTSI solenoid connector (column shift vehicles) or disconnect the automatic transaxle control connector (console shift vehicles).
2. Move the ignition switch to RUN.

Can you shift the transaxle out of the PARK position?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 10

9

Repair the short to power in CKT 1135.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

10

Test for sticking or binding in the shift linkage.
Does the shift linkage stick or bind?
--
Go to Step 11
Go to Step 12

11

Repair the shift linkage.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

12

Replace the BTSI solenoid (column shift vehicles) or replace the automatic transaxle control (console shift vehicles).
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
Go to Step 1

This is a common concern on explorer, shift indicator cable breaks.if you're the diy type this is a pretty easy repair. Remove steering column cover top and bottom, and instrument bezel.you'll see shifter indicator coming out of bottom of instrument cluster and cable wrapped around steering column, attached to the shifter.you'll have to remove 4 screws for cluster,7mm, tilt the bottom of the cluster and look where indicator is attached, usually 2 7 mm bolts or clips, remove and replace indicator...if the steering column was lowered without taking off indicator cable it would break cable, or could be band that wraps around column that's loose or broken..either way cheap fix..

The shifter needs to be inspected. The shifter assembly is got misaligned, it has to be open and realign.

There are many other possibilities. But if it was working right up till now and suddenly this occurred then its shifter assembly alignment issue.

Also i suggest you to refer these gear shift issues, which are mostly noticed. These are direct links with appropriate solutions to the specific problems of gear ****.

GEAR SHIFT ISSUES

Gear indicator Shows "3" Instead Of "D"?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/gear-indicator-shows-3-instead-of-d.html

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2006 Chrysler 300c: Shifter Stuck in Park?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-chrysler-300c-shifter-stuck-in.html

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1998 Ford Expedition: Will not Shift Out of Park?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-ford-expedition-will-not-shift-out.html

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Car will not move when in gear?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/car-will-not-move-when-in-gear.html

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Mercedes-Benz transmission sticks in first gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-transmission-sticks-in.html

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Mercedes Benz not engaging in first gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/mercedes-benz-not-engaging-in-first.html

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Chrysler PT Cruiser only goes in First gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/chrysler-pt-cruiser-only-goes-in-first.html

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Car is stuck in park and the shift will not move?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/08/car-is-stuck-in-park-and-shift-will-not.html

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2007 Ford Expedition: How to shift car in neutral with Dead Battery

http://www.howtorepairguide.com/2012/11/2007-ford-expedition-how-to-shift-car.html

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2002 Nissan sentra will not go out of park mode?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/2002-nissan-sentra-will-not-go-out-of.html

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Nissan Sentra stuck in park?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/nissan-sentra-stuck-in-park.html

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Car will not come out of Park?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/car-will-not-come-out-of-park.html

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Automatic transmission will not go into high gear?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

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Car won't downshift sometimes?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-wont-downshift-sometimes.html

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Buick Park Avenue: Transmission will Not shift into drive?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/buick-park-avenuetransmission-will.html

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No First gear Starts In Second Gear

http://www.howtobyme.blogspot.com/2012/07/no-first-gear-starts-in-second-gear.html

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Ford Taurus won't shift from park?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/ford-taurus-wont-shift-from-park.html

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2006 Ford F150: Will Not Shift out Of Park?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2006-ford-f150-will-not-shift-out-of.html

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Car Transmission will not go into Park mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/car-transmission-will-no-go-into-park.html

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1998 Chrysler Voyager: Transmission Problem?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1998-chrysler-voyager-transmission.html

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Shift indicator directly goes to 2nd when key is turned ON?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/shift-indicator-directly-goes-to-2nd.html

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Third gear missing and engine losing power?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/third-gear-missing-and-engine-losing.html

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Chevrolet silverado has whining sound in gear?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/chevrolet-silverado-has-whining-sound.html

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2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71: Gear shift Issue?

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/2002-chevrolet-avalanche-z71-gear-shift.html

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Hard to shift gears on Manual transmission?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/hard-to-shift-gears-on-manual.html

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Car hard shift at slow speeds?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-hard-shift-at-slow-speeds.html

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Transmission-Hard To Down Shift

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/07/transmission-hard-to-down-shift.html

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Automatic transmission shift lever hard to move on cold mornings?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html

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2000 Nissan maxima shifts hard?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/2000-nissan-maxima-shifts-hard.html

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Vehicle noticed sluggish delayed shifts while driving?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/vehicle-noticed-sluggish-delayed-shifts.html

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2007 Hyundai Santa Fe: Will not Shift out of Park Mode?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/06/2007-hyundai-santa-fe-will-not-shift.html

These details will help.

Thanks.

Sounds like your cable has broken or come off on the side of the transmission this is your problem it snaps off and on under the vehicle. and if the linkage is intact and moves it is the electronic module on the side of the transmission behind the shift cable.Remember to rate my solution and give testimonial this is how i earn my achievements here on FixYa Thanks in advance if you need further help just ask

This could be the problem. If your dash indicator is showing reverse but the transmission is in park it could be the safety switch. I'm not talking about the safety switch in the transmission though. In automatics they put a second switch to kill the starter from engaging. You need to adjust the linkage. If your shifter isn't actually on the column but the indicators are there is a cable that attaches the floor shift to the column and that is adjustable. Put the Floor shifter in Park and turn the column section nearest the dash by hand until you find park. Then adjust the cable length as needed. If all you have is the column shift it is still a cable adjustment. Set the emergency brake, drop the shifter to low 1 and adjust the cable linkage by loosening it on the transmission and manually move it all the way to low 1 then tighten it down then move the shifter to park and repeat teh adjustment process to verify that it is properly aligned. Lock the linkage back down and see if the vehicle will start, if it doesn't move the shifter to neutral and try to start the vehicle if the vehicle starts then check the column shift safety switch at the park position to make sure it is still in place and working. Typically, if the vehicle won't start in Park or Neutral it is more likely to be the Transmission neutral safety switch.

Fig. Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Switch (1) Steering Column Mounted





Fig. Showing Shift lock control switch (3); with floor shifter on Regal model. (1); Performance shift switch (2); transmission control position indicator bulb

Welcome to FixYa.com

REMOVAL
1. Remove air cleaner and air intake hose assembly.
2. Remove center dash trim panel.
3. Remove center console cup holder assembly.
4. Remove floor console assembly.
5. Remove console side panels.
6. Remove Transmission Control Module ftMJ bracket.
1. Remove TCM.
8. Remove shifter cable from transaxle operating lever by removing nut and clip.
9. Remove shifter cable from shifter lever assembly by removing clip.
10. Remove shifter cable from shifter lever mechanism.
11. Remove cable from firewall grommet by removing grommet assembly nuts.
12. Remove gearshift cable from vehicle.
ADJUSTMENT
Lift and rotate the gearshift hand lever into the park (F9 gate position and remove the ignition
key. This confirms the shift lever is in the gated park (F9 position.
After confirming the park gate position. turn the ignition switch . If the starter will operate. the
park gate position is correct. Move the shift lever into the neutral (NJ position. If the starter
will operate in this position, the linkage is properly adjusted. If the starter fails to operate in
either position, linkage adjustment is required.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brake.
2. Place the gearshift lever in park (F9 gate position and remove key.
3. Loosen the cable adjustment screw at the transaxle operating lever.
4. Pull the transaxle operating lever fully forward to the park detent position.
5. Release the park brake, then rock the vehicle to assure it is in park lock. Reset the park
brake.
6. Tighten the cable adjustment screw to 8 Nm (10 inch Ibs.J. Gearshift cable should now be
properly adjusted.
1. Check adjustment by usinq the precedinq procedure.

Thank you for Using FixYa.com

Kind Regards, Lee

Your Master Technician FixYa Expert

Try shifting into Neutral and attempt to Start the car.
If this works, there is probably a problem with the cable and/or cable connection/shifting bracket to the transmission.
Inspect that area to ensure nothing is impeding the cable/cable connection/shifting bracket, or interfering their operation.
When shifting, is the Indicator "on" or to the left or right of the appropriate selection (PRNDL)? If the indicator is to the left or right of them there is a good possibility that you need to:
1. Loosen the gear cable connection screw, located on top of the transmission and connected to the transaxle operating lever.
2. Pull the tranaxle operating lever = shifting bracket going into the transmission - towards the front of the car. While holding the bracket to the front (Park) position tighten the cable connection screw to 70 in-lbs.

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel free to contact me on FixYa.com!

You may have a loose shift linkage in the steering column. Remove the upper and lower plastic covers behind the steerong wheel (5 or 6 philips head) and see if you have any loose torx head or allen head screws. Ea
rlier models had this isue.

Also, go to this site for Villager Quest help.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/
Here's adjustment procedure too

SECTION 307-05: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission External Controls 2000 Villager Workshop Manual
GENERAL PROCEDURES Cable Adjustment —Shift Control

1. Place the gearshift lever in PARK (P) position.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the splash shield.

1. Loosen the shift cable nut.

1. Position the shift linkage in PARK (P) position.

1. Tighten the shift cable nut.

1. Move the gearshift lever through the entire shifting range.

1. Verify that the engine will crank with the gearshift lever in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) position.

1. Adjust the transmission range (TR) switch as necessary, refer to Section 307-01 .

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Item Part Number Description 1 043B13 Driver side air bag module 2 — Steering wheel nut 3 3600 Steering wheel 4 — Radio volume control cover 5 — Air bag sliding contact electrical connector access panel 6 — Cruise control cover 7 14A664 Air bag sliding contact 8 13K359 Multifunction switch 9 — Tilt wheel lever 10 13318 Turn indicator cancel cam 11 — Steering column assembly 12 — Steering column mounting bracket nuts (4 Req'd) 13 3C695 Lower column shroud 14 — Steering column opening cover nuts (3 Req'd) 15 — Steering column lower yoke bolt 16 3N725 Steering column lower yoke 17 — Steering column clamp bolt 18 3C695 Upper column shroud 19 7210 Gearshift lever