This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the transmission shift cable on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and RWD transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission shift cable assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cable retaining clips × 2 — Usually included with cable

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for airbag system to deplete
4. Raise and safely support front of vehicle on jack stands
5. Remove driver side front wheel for easier access to transmission area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove center console cover
   Remove the center console trim panel surrounding the gear selector. Use panel removal tool to carefully pry up the rear cup holder section, then lift the entire panel assembly upward to disengage retaining clips. Disconnect any electrical connectors for power outlets or heated seat switches if equipped.
2. 2

   Access shift cable at column shifter
   Locate the shift cable connection at the base of the gear selector mechanism. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry the cable retaining clip off the selector lever ball stud. Carefully lift the cable end off the ball stud. Note the routing of the cable for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove cable bracket from column
   Remove the two bolts securing the cable bracket to the gear selector housing using a 10mm socket. Gently pull the cable and bracket away from the column, leaving enough slack to work with at the transmission end.
   Torque spec

   Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Locate cable at transmission
   From under the vehicle, locate the shift cable where it connects to the transmission manual lever on the driver side of the 6R80 transmission. The cable runs along the frame rail and connects near the front of the transmission pan.
5. 5

   Disconnect cable from transmission lever
   Use needle-nose pliers to remove the cable retaining clip from the transmission manual lever. Slide the cable end off the lever pin. Be careful not to drop the retaining clip.
6. 6

   Remove cable mounting brackets
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the cable brackets to the transmission and frame rail. There are typically 2-3 mounting points along the cable routing path. Use a 13mm socket to remove these bolts.
   ℹ️Take photos or make notes of cable routing through brackets for proper reinstallation
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove cable from vehicle
   Carefully pull the cable through the firewall grommet from the interior side. Guide the cable through the frame routing points and remove it completely from the vehicle. Inspect the firewall grommet for damage and replace if cracked or torn.
8. 8

   Install new cable at transmission
   Route the new shift cable from the interior through the firewall grommet, following the original path along the frame rail to the transmission. Install the cable mounting brackets to the frame rail and transmission, tightening the mounting bolts to specification. Ensure the cable is not kinked or touching hot exhaust components.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect cable to transmission lever
   Slide the cable end onto the transmission manual lever pin. Install the retaining clip to secure the cable end in place. Verify the clip is fully seated and the cable end cannot be pulled off the lever.
10. 10

    Connect cable at gear selector
    From inside the vehicle, attach the cable bracket to the gear selector housing and install the bracket bolts to specification. Snap the cable end onto the selector lever ball stud and install the retaining clip. Ensure the cable is properly seated before installing the clip.
    Torque spec

    Cable Bracket Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Adjust shift cable
    With the transmission in PARK and the gear selector in PARK position, verify proper adjustment. If adjustment is needed, loosen the adjustment nut at the transmission end, align the cable so there is no binding in any gear position, then tighten the adjustment nut to specification. Some cables are self-adjusting and do not have an adjustment nut.
    Torque spec

    Adjustment Nut10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Test shift operation
    Before reinstalling console trim, start the engine with foot on brake and cycle through all gear positions (P-R-N-D-L) multiple times. Verify smooth engagement in each position and that the gear indicator matches the selected gear. Ensure the engine will only start in PARK and NEUTRAL positions.
    ⚠Keep foot firmly on brake pedal when testing gear engagement with engine running

Reassembly

1. Reinstall center console trim panel and reconnect any electrical connectors
2. Reinstall driver side front wheel and torque lug nuts to 150 lb-ft in star pattern
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal
5. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from vehicle

Verification

• Start engine and verify it only starts in PARK and NEUTRAL positions
• Cycle through all gear positions with engine running and verify smooth engagement without binding
• Confirm gear indicator in instrument cluster matches selected gear in all positions
• Test drive vehicle and verify proper shift operation under light acceleration
• Verify parking pawl engages properly when shifted to PARK on an incline

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