1995 Ford Windstar Transmission shift cable?

CLAY1604

MEMBER
1995 FORD WINDSTAR

Transmission problem
1995 Ford Windstar 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Hello, our van does not go into park or reverse. The drivers shift lever has a lot of slack in it and we only have neutral and drive. I was told it could be the transmission shift cable. I told my wife to hold her foot on the brake while I switched a lever in the back of the engine near the fire wall, and when I told her to ease off the brakes, the van went into reverse for the first time in about a month.

How do I fix this problem?

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE
Position transmission shift lever in OVERDRIVE position. Hold shift lever against rear overdrive stop with a constant force of about 3 lbs. (1.4 kg). Loosen shift control cable retaining nut at transmission.
Ensure manual control lever is in OVERDRIVE position. OVERDRIVE is second detent from rear most position. Tighten shift control cable retaining nut to 13-17 ft. Lbs. (17-23 N.M).
Check for PARK engagement. Start engine and ensure that transmission shifts through all gears properly. Verify that vehicle only starts in PARK and NEUTRAL and that backup light work. If not, check transmission range sensor adjustment. See TRANSMISSION RANGE (TR) SENSOR/SWITCH.