Mechanical Components and Functions: Park

The park gear is part of the output shaft assembly. The park gear has lugs on its OD surface that the park pawl engages with to lock the output shaft.

The park lock prevents the vehicle wheels from rotating by allowing the output shaft to be held stationary by the transmission case through the park pawl. When the park pawl is engaged in the park gear, the output shaft is held stationary.

When the manual control lever is rotated to the PARK position, the park lock works as follows:

• The detent assembly (connected to the manual control shaft) rotates and pushes the park pawl actuator rod into the park pawl. The actuator rod is spring loaded.
• The actuator rod is guided into the park pawl by the park pawl abutment.
• When the park pawl actuator rod is pushed into the park pawl, the park pawl pivots into the park gear and engages with the lugs.
• The park pawl holds the output shaft to the transmission case.
  Fig 1: Identifying Park Pawl Position

  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.