Selector Lever Cable Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Place the range selector lever in the 1st position all the way toward the rear of the vehicle.
Move the range selector lever forward 3 detents. This should be the (D) position.
Disconnect the range selector lever cable end from the manual lever.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Range Selector Lever Cable End From Manual Lever
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the manual lever forward until the travel stops. Then rotate the manual lever back 3 detents, this should be the (D) position.

Fig 2: Rotating Manual Lever Forward Until Travel Stops
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
With the range selector lever cable end disconnected, unlock the tab on the range selector lever cable end by sliding it up.

Fig 3: Unlocking Tab On Range Selector Lever Cable
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Carry out the following adjustment on the range selector lever cable end:
1. Make sure that the range selector lever cable end slides forward and backwards.
2. Connect the range selector lever cable end onto the manual control lever.
3. Lock the range selector lever cable end into place by pressing the lock tab down.
  
  Fig 4: Connecting Range Selector Lever Cable End Onto Manual Control Lever
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Verify that the engine will start in PARK and NEUTRAL. Verify that the reverse lamps will illuminate in the REVERSE position. If not, check the adjustment of the transmission range TR sensor. For additional information on the TR sensor adjustment, refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION - 5R55S .