2003 Ford Windstar Car suddenly won't drive

DSRUNS

MEMBER
2003 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
11,430 MILES

Van was running fine. Engine still running great. My son was at a traffic light and when he stepped on the gas the RPM's increased biut van does not have drive or reverse. When I shift the lever out of park it feels like nothing is there. Doesn't feel like the shifter is connected to the transmission. Can you give me a clue as what to do? The transmission showed no signs of slipping prior to this.

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

It could be that the shifter cable snapped.
Removal and Installation
1.Position the gearshift lever (7210) in the (D) position. 2.Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column. 1.Disconnect the shift cable from the shift assembly arm (7302). 2.Disconnect the shift cable from the steering column bracket.
NOTE:If not installing a new shift cable, proceed to the following step to remove the shift cable with the bracket.� � �
� � � Fig. 28: Disconnecting Shift Cable From Steering Column Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3.Push the rubber grommet through the bulkhead.
Fig. 29: Pushing Rubber Grommet Through Bulkhead Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4.Position the air inlet cover aside. 1.Loosen the clamps. 2.Separate the air inlet cover from the tube, and position the air inlet cover aside.
Fig. 30: Separating Air Inlet Cover From Tube Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5.Remove the shift cable from the vehicle. 1.Disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever. 2.Push the lock tab and separate the shift cable from the bracket. 3.Remove the shift cable from the vehicle.
Fig. 31: Removing Shift Cable Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
6.Remove the nut, bolts, and the shift cable bracket. If removing the shift cable and bracket as an assembly, remove the assembly from the vehicle.
Fig. 32: Removing Nut, Bolts, And Shift Cable Bracket Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7.To install, reverse the removal procedure. Adjust the shift cable before installing the air inlet cover. For additional information, refer to SELECTOR LEVER CABLE ADJUSTMENT.

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If not installing a new shift cable, proceed to the following step to remove the shift cable with the bracket.
4/17/2010

3.Adjust the shift cable.
1.Disconnect the shift cable from the manual control lever (7A256). 2.Pull the shift cable adjustment lock tab outward to the unlock position. 3.Place the manual control lever in the (D) position. Rotate the manual control lever clockwise until travel stops. Then, move the manual control lever counterclockwise two detents to the (D) position. 4.Connect the shift cable to the manual control lever. 5.Push the shift cable adjustment lock tab inward to the lock position.
� � �
Fig. 13: Pushing Shift Cable Adjustment Lock Tab Inward To Lock Position Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

6.Remove the 1.4 kg (3 lb) weight. 7.Verify that the engine will start in PARK and NEUTRAL and that the reversing lamps illuminate in REVERSE. If not, repeat the adjustment procedure. 8.Check that the digital transmission range (DTR) sensor adjustment is correct. For additional information, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION . Adjust the DTR sensor if necessary. 9.Install the air inlet cover and the clamps.
Fig. 14: Installing Air Inlet Cover And Clamps Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.