1994 Lincoln Town Car Gear Shifting and Engine Start

NIORM

MEMBER
1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
12,500 MILES

Starting car was tough, had to wiggle gear shift handle with pressure up and towards dash-then it may start. 2nd issue getting into reverse was always tough as one had to hold gear shift lever up and towards dash again.

Uncovered all dashboard covers to get at the shifting
switch at the top of steering column 6 inches behind dash. Thought this was an electrical switch - nope -
a vacuum sw.

Now what to do? Could it be plugged up or problem in the vacuum line or the componet that this line goes to?

1 Reply

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Not sure what you found back there, but shifting is done via a cable to the transmission, # 76 in the picture below, released by the ignition key and the shift interlock solenoid.

SHIFT CABLE/LINKAGE AOD-E, AX4S & 4R70W 1. 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 transmission/transaxle manual lever is in Overdrive position. Overdrive is second detent from rearmost position. 2. Tighten shift control cable retaining nut to 10-18 ft. lbs. (14-25 N.m). Check transmission operation in each position. Ensure neutral start switch and back-up lights operate properly. FLC Position shift lever in Drive position. Loosen shift control cable retaining nut at transaxle. Ensure transaxle manual lever is in Drive position (second detent from rearmost position). Tighten retaining nut to 10-19 ft. lbs. (14-27 N.m). Check transaxle operation in all positions. Ensure neutral start switch and back-up lights operate.
You should have the 4R70W . Disregard FLC instructions.