1992 Ford Tempo Won't Shift Out of Park

BLAYDET

MEMBER
1 POST

I've got a 92 Ford Tempo with automatic transmission. After a particularly cold night, I warmed the car as normal but discovered that when I put the shifter into reverse that the car did not shift out of park. It also will not shift into drive as well. I have checked the fluid levels for the transmission but it shows full when the car is fully warm. I've only got rudimentary automotive repair skills (computer tech by trade), and so aren't sure where to go from here to pin down the issue. Any suggestions/solutions would be most helpful.

Feb 20, 2006 at 6:04 AM

TIML

MEMBER
19 POSTS

have you checked to see if the shift linkage came off.if so and it isnt off,im thinking you might have a stripped torq converter.i had the same symptoms with a 79 fairmont and the torq conv. had the center splines stripped.

Feb 21, 2006 at 12:25 PM

MADDISON

✓Experienced Mechanic
28 POSTS

could also be a shifter cable.

Feb 21, 2006 at 1:05 PM

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Suggested Repair

Check whether the shift linkage has come off and inspect the shifter cable. If both are intact, a torque converter with stripped center splines is a possible cause of the same no-shift symptoms.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1992 Ford Tempo automatic says that after a cold night the car will not shift out of park into reverse or drive, although the transmission fluid is full when warm. Suggestions were to check for a disconnected shift linkage, inspect the shifter cable, and consider a torque converter with stripped center splines.

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1992 Ford Tempo Won't Shift Out of Park

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