Hi everyone,
I have a '96, 5.0 with 240K. Lately the gear shifter (automatic on column) has been getting sloppy. Now she's having alot of trouble getting into park. When in park, she does not want to start, I get nothing, but the battery is fine. There was a slightly jazzed up trans put in several years ago, before I bought her, I have no real info on it. Is this a big worry item? Is there anything I can try at home before going to the doctor? I have not checked the fluid level yet, that's up for tomorrow. I'm new at this and looking for any suggestions anyone may have. Thanks much for your time.
Shado

 

It sounds like you may have a small bolt sheared off under the dash. There is a matched pair of these, and usually one comes loose or shears off. The easiest way to work on this is to unbolt the steering column from the dash(fairly simple) and dropping the steering column down.

My guess may be wrong, but that is what it acts like from your description.

 

Sounds like a linkage problem. Check shift cable and follow it up to where it hooks to the shift tube then check the 2 screws where the bracket meet the tube and if it's Its all OK till this point hold the bracket and try to move the shifter to check and make sure the tube isn't broken. If all this checks out good then check the linkage on trans and make sure it's not loose. If all of that is good then it's internal but this is very unlikely.

 

These pics will show you the shift tube and the plate that bolts on the end of it - 2 torx screws. Most common cause. You can tighten those by lying on your back and looking up.
If the shift tube itself is broken or a torx screw is sheared off, you will have to drop the column.

 

construction ford:

Thank you. Sounds pretty complicated for a female working alone without much mechanical knowledge. Unfortunately it looks like a trip to the doctor. Thanks again.

 

88xlt:

From what I've been reading, it's more than I care to take on. Guess I'm looking for a mechanic now. Thank you for you're response though, it was very helpful!

 

Worth checking those 2 torx screws first. Pretty simple fix if that's what's wrong. Put something down on the floor and take a flashlight and see if that little piece with the 2 screws is loose. If so tighten the screws and you're good to go.
It's an easy job.

 

Chris_1:

Thank you very much for the response. Although this is more than I can handle, at least I know more of what I'm facing now. Many thanks again.