Adjustment of the mechanism of a gear change

Note: You will need Ford7 special tool 6-073. It is a slotted ring that locks the shift lever in neutral during adjustment. If you do not have such a device, then you will have to proceed by trial and error. It is also advisable to have an assistant hold the lever in neutral.

Gear lever mechanism (release models before 1997)

1. Remove the central console (chapter 11).

2. Set the parking brake, raise the front end and place it on stands. Set the shift lever to neutral.

3. Working under the vehicle, loosen the clamp bolt located on the linkage located behind the transmission.

4. With the lever in neutral, install tool 16-073 over the lever and insert it into the notch in the lever lock housing on top of the transmission. Turn the tool clockwise to lock the lever in neutral. Be careful not to move the lever or fixture during adjustment.

5. Make sure the front of the shift linkage coming out of the transmission is in the neutral position. Move the linkage back and forth to make sure it is in the neutral position.

6. Make sure that the tool fixes the lever. Then tighten the clamp bolt on the linkage.

7. Remove the device blocking the lever.

8. Lower the vehicle to the ground, then install the center console (chapter 11).

Cable shift mechanism (release models since 1997)

Note: You will need the Ford 16-088 special tool. It locks the shift lever in neutral during adjustment. If you do not have such a device, then 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 cable adjusters on the transmission by pressing the tabs on the sides of the stoppers (red plastic) (see fig.2.11).



12. From inside the passenger compartment, release the cover from the lever and pull it onto the lever handle.

13. Lock the lever in the neutral position using the tool (16-088) (see fig.2.13).



14. With the levers on the transmission in the neutral position, block the stoppers by pressing them.

15. Remove the fixture and install the lever cover.

16. Install the air cleaner.

17. Connect the negative battery cable (chapter 5A).