Selector Lever Cable: Installation

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.

Install new shift cable retainers on both ends of the shift cable.

Fig 1: Installing Shift Cable Retainers On Both Ends Of Shift Cable
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the shift cable through the opening in the bulkhead. Do not seat the rubber grommet in the bulkhead at this time.
Carry out the following:
1. Connect the shift cable to the bracket.
2. Connect the shift cable to the transmission selector lever arm.
3. Position the wire harness shield and install the 4 screws.
  
  Fig 2: Positioning Wire Harness Shield
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Seat the rubber grommet in the bulkhead.

Fig 3: Installing Rubber Grommet In Bulkhead
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the lower steering column shroud and install the 3 screws.

Fig 4: Positioning Lower Steering Column Shroud
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the lower steering finish panel and install the 2 screws.

Fig 5: Positioning Lower Steering Finish Panel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the gearshift lever clockwise until it bottoms out in 1st gear, then rotate it counterclockwise 3 detents to the (D) position.
Hang a 1.4-kg (3-lb) weight on the gearshift lever.
Position the shift cable bracket and install the bolts.
- Tighten to 40 Nm (30 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Positioning Shift Cable Bracket
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate the manual lever forward until travel stops, then rotate the manual lever rearward 3 detents to the (D) position.

Fig 7: Rotating Manual Lever Forward Until Travel Stops
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The retainer will only slide into the bracket in one direction.

Fig 8: Connecting Shift Cable To Shift Cable Bracket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Connect the shift cable to the shift cable bracket.
Connect the shift cable to the manual lever.
1. Position the shift cable on the manual lever.
2. Push the shift cable adjustment lock downward to the LOCK position.
  
  Fig 9: Pushing Shift Cable Adjustment Lock
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 1.4-kg (3-lb) weight.
Verify the engine will start in PARK and NEUTRAL and the reversing lamps illuminate in REVERSE. If not, readjust the shift cable. For additional information, refer to SELECTOR LEVER CABLE ADJUSTMENT .