Transmission will not go into drive

Welcome to 2CarPros.

I will assume that the transmission fluid is clean and full. If it hasn't been checked, start with that.

The first thing we need to confirm is that the shift cable is properly adjusted and not preventing the vehicle from shifting into drive.

Here are directions for how to adjust the cable. I am adding this because I need you to confirm that it is all together and moving correctly. There is a mount on the side of the transmission that secures the cable harness. If it came apart, you may only be able to get reverse. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

Take a look through this and let me know what you find.

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1998 Mercury Truck Mountaineer V8-302 5.0L VIN P EFI
Adjustments
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Shift Linkage Shift Cable Adjustments
ADJUSTMENTS
1. Place the gearshift lever in the (D) position and hang a 3.6 kg (8 lbs.) Weight on the gearshift lever.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.

Pic 1

3. Disconnect the transmission shift cable from the manual control lever.

Pic 2

4. Pull out the transmission shift cable adjustment lock tab on the shift cable body.

Pic 3

5. Place the manual control lever in the (D) Position.
1 Place the manual control lever in the first gear position. Rotate the manual control lever forward until travel stops.
2 Move the manual control lever back two detents to the (D) position.

Pic 4

6. Connect the transmission shift cable to the manual control lever.

Pic 5

7. Push in the transmission shift cable adjustment lock tab on the shift cable body.

8. NOTE: If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.

Lower the vehicle.
9. Remove the 3.6 kg (8 lb) weight.

10. CAUTION: Do not adjust the transmission shift cable in any position other than (D).

Verify that the vehicle will start in P or N and that backup lamps illuminate in R. If not, repeat Steps 1 through 7 and perform a digital transmission range sensor alignment.

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Next, this vehicle has what is called a digital range sensor. When you shift into drive or any gear other than reverse, is the gear indicator showing the correct gear?

Let me know.

Joe

Welcome back:

If everything is working properly as far as the linkage and the range sensor, I hate to say it, but most likely it is an internal issue.

Have you checked for diagnostic trouble codes?

Let me know.

Joe

Welcome back:

It could be something in the valve body. However, a code is usually set. When scanned, did you have a scanner that can read transmission codes?

Joe