Shift Cable Removal

1996 Windstar. I'm trying to replace the Transmission Range Switch. First step in Haynes is to release the "shift cable terminal lock" using a screwdriver, to remove the shift cable from the top of the TRS. I cannot get this lock to release. Haynes is famous for this, telling you to do something but not really telling you how. Any help appreciated.

well I can tell you on mine (a 2000 3.8) replacing the TRS meant totally destroying the old one. I the shaft that comes off the trans into the TRS is such a tight tolerance that I can't see unless the TRS was brand new that the parts would slip off as the manual states. Once you've broken it free, I'd suggest some 220 grit emery cloth to clean up the shaft, then a little bit of lube onto the shaft, then slip the new TRS on. It will work but getting the old one off in one piece IMO isn't reality.

Thanks. Yea, I figured I would have to destroy the old TRS, I was just trying to not destroy the shift cable as well.

Thanks. Yea, I figured I would have to destroy the old TRS, I was just trying to not destroy the shift cable as well.

are we talking about this thing?

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Yes! Maybe I'm just dense, but that page you showed still does not say how to actually release the terminal lock. I fiddled with it for a long time, poking a screwdriver in every slot from every direction, trying to find the "release tab" or whatever.:runaround:

Yes! Maybe I'm just dense, but that page you showed still does not say how to actually release the terminal lock. I fiddled with it for a long time, poking a screwdriver in every slot from every direction, trying to find the "release tab" or whatever.:runaround:

i ended up buying an entire shift cable just so i could have something in my hand to examine.
if i remember when i did it with the small screwdriver i thought i was going to bend [the screwdriver]- it will take strength to get the tab to release and slide over. understand those edges are teeth that the linkage will engage into once you get the linkage into position.
i've been told that what most techs will do is pop the entire linkage off the ball by prying with 2 screwdrivers.
hth.