TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F250. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE WHEN THE CONTACT WENT TO START THE ENGINE. THE GEAR SHIFTER OPENING ERUPTED INTO FLAMES AND SMOKE. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE SMALL FIRE. A TOW TRUCK COMPANY ARRIVED TO TOW THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED A SECOND TIME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING UNKNOWN REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,550.