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Transmission / Gear Shift Problem

Tiny
SCOTT G
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,500 MILES
Car won’t start in Park but will in Neutral and drive. Shuts off when shifting to Reverse, Park or Low. Has a rough time from a dead stop to 10-15 mph. But once there, car seems to drive okay. Is this a misadjusted Neutral Safety Switch, stretched or bad mech cable? Any advice is much appreciated!
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Friday, June 3rd, 2022 AT 12:53 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

It does sound like the linkage is out of adjustment. When you select a gear, does the gear indicator show your selection?

As far as the neutral safety switch, it is located on the left side of the transmission. Check to make sure nothing is loose there as well.

I attached info on a nylon grommet that can fail and cause issues. Take a look at the pics below that explains how it's replaced. Not saying it needs to be replaced, but I'm hoping the pics help you locate the grommet.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, June 3rd, 2022 AT 10:29 PM
Tiny
SCOTT G
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The gear selectors move pretty freely between gears. When in the "on" position, there’s no problem switching between gears.

If this helps, I was driving on the interstate, got ticked off at traffic and hit the gas a little too hard for such an old car. When I did that, it felt like something became disconnected while the transmission was shifting up. I honestly didn’t think I’d re-engage and continue driving but I did...

Now it starts in N and rolls forward, jerks pretty darn hard trying to increase speed until about 15-20 MPH, ABS, then seems to drive normally. In your experience, does this sound like a major repair ahead of me or is there a chance I might solve this for under a $100 ish? Thank you again for all your help!
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Saturday, June 4th, 2022 AT 11:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

Based on what you described, it sounds like an adjustment issue or something with the shift linkage.

Tell me this. When you place it in park, does the vehicle still roll like it is in neutral?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, June 4th, 2022 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
SCOTT G
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
When in Park, it won’t start and doesn’t roll. Once started in Neutral, shifting into Park turns her off completely. The car only stays “engaged” in Neutral, Overdrive and Drive. All other gears, Park, Reverse and Low shut the car down.

Thanks again, big time for getting back with me!
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Sunday, June 5th, 2022 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,867 POSTS
Hi,

I don't understand why it would shut down when placed in park. Let's try this from a different point of view.

I need you to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes. The vehicle has an OBD1 system, so you don't need a scan tool.

Follow the directions in this link and let me know the results:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ford-lincoln-mercury-obd1-1995-and-earlier-diagnostic-trouble-code-definition-and-retrieval

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Sunday, June 5th, 2022 AT 10:35 PM

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