Note: You will need a special device Ford7 6-073. It is a ring with a slot that locks the gearshift lever in neutral during adjustment. If you do not have such a device, you will have to act by trial and error. It is also advisable to ask an assistant to hold the lever in neutral.
Gear shift lever mechanism (models produced before 1997)
1. Remove the central console (Chapter 11).
2. Apply the parking brake, raise the front end and place it on stands. Set the gearshift lever to neutral.
3. Working underneath the vehicle, loosen the clamp bolt mounted on the linkage located behind the transmission.
4. With the lever in neutral, place tool 16-073 over the lever and insert it into the recess in the lever lock housing on the top of the transmission. Turn the tool clockwise to lock the lever in neutral. Be careful not to move the lever or tool during adjustment.
5. Make sure the front of the shift linkage coming out of the transmission is in neutral. Move the shift linkage back and forth to make sure it is in neutral.
6. Make sure the fixture locks the lever. Then tighten the clamp bolt on the lever mechanism.
7. Remove the lever locking device.
8. Lower the vehicle to the ground, then install the central console (Chapter 11).
Cable shift mechanism (models produced since 1997)
Note: You will need a special tool Ford16-088. It locks the gearshift lever in neutral during adjustment. If you do not have such a tool, you will have to proceed by trial and error. It is also advisable to have an assistant hold the lever in neutral.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable (chapter 5A).
10. Remove the air cleaner (chapter 4A).
11. Release the transmission cable adjusters by pressing on the tabs on the sides of the stoppers (made of red plastic) (see Fig. 2.11).
12. From inside the car, release the cover from the lever and pull it onto the lever handle.
13. Lock the lever in neutral position using the tool (16-088) (see Fig. 2.13).
14. With the transmission levers in neutral, lock the stoppers by pressing them.
15. Remove the tool and install the lever cover.
16. Install the air cleaner.
17. Connect the negative battery cable (chapter 5A).