nlinesk8s Posted December 22, 2021 Share Posted December 22, 2021 New member here: My daughter's car, a 2013 Fusion, got a "transmission not in park" warning today and shut off while driving on the highway. That has me a bit concerned. I checked for recalls on her car and there are none listed for this problem. I did some searches and there a ton of people out there with the same problem. However, like most internet posts, there are also a ton of people saying "me too", and the original posters never bother to tell everyone WTF the problem was. So I'm asking here: Is this a common issue with a common fix? Thanks! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted December 22, 2021 Share Posted December 22, 2021 29 minutes ago, nlinesk8s said: New member here: My daughter's car, a 2013 Fusion, got a "transmission not in park" warning today and shut off while driving on the highway. That has me a bit concerned. I checked for recalls on her car and there are none listed for this problem. I did some searches and there a ton of people out there with the same problem. However, like most internet posts, there are also a ton of people saying "me too", and the original posters never bother to tell everyone WTF the problem was. So I'm asking here: Is this a common issue with a common fix? Thanks! Hi nline and welcome to the Ford Fusion Forum. No, this is not a "common issue". Not sure where you have seen a "ton of people" out there with the same problem. But that really does not matter, since your daughter had the problem and that is all that matters. How old is the battery? Today's cars are extremely computer/electronics/electrically intensive. So if we get ~3-4 years out of a battery, we got our moneys worth. Therefore, I would recommend starting by having the battery professionally load tested. Not an old fashioned battery/meter test, but a modern full load test. Problems such as this can often be traced back to a failing/failed battery. However, they normally happen upon startup, not while driving down the highway resulting in an engine shutdown. If it is not battery related, you may be better off having the vehicle looked at by a Ford Dealer or shop you trust, since there is not a lot that is shade-tree mechanic traceable and fixable in a situation like this. Perhaps one of our tech members will jump in with more help on this. Just another thought: Is it possible that your daughter or someone/something else in the car (child or pet) accidentally switched the transmission out of D while she was driving? That should not/would not normally shut down the engine, but I'm thinking of all possibilities. Keep us updated and good luck. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nlinesk8s Posted December 24, 2021 Author Share Posted December 24, 2021 I think we solved this, and it wasn't what I expected. We noticed she had a heavy key ring that was pulling down [facepalm]. Removed all the weight and it appears to be ok. I did find one other answer from someone else with identical symptoms. To quote:. "I had the lever replaced under warranty but car is doing it again. Dealer insists it cant be fixed but service have a TSB on replacing a micro switch only. Parts department sold me the kit only after I refused to leave without a valid answer. Part # is GB5Z-3F988-B good luck it’s DYI if your handy!" bottom line, we appear to be good now. Thanks! Next up; cleaning stained cloth seats... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolds1 Posted December 24, 2021 Share Posted December 24, 2021 That's a good one! Thanks for letting us know. GM had a major recall and paid out millions for injuries and deaths due to Chevy Cavaliers (and similar) shutting off while driving. In many cases, the cause was traced to heavy key rings causing the ignition switch to turn to the 'OFF' position. The switches were made with too weak a spring. A word to the wise. I, for one, didn't realize you were talking about a conventional key ignition. I assumed it was a push-button start. That made it more confusing. Yes, there are instances of defective shifters causing that message. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmen236 Posted February 3, 2023 Share Posted February 3, 2023 I had the same issue with my car on the highway it happened more than once its definitely scary.. i was going to take it down to the mechanic tomorrow until i saw your update with her keys being heavy mine are too hoping that's my issue also.. thank you ? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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