WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
Gearshift lever pin must be installed correctly (tapered end up) or 1st gear position may be blocked.
Fig 1: Installing Gearshift Lever Pin
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the gearshift lever pin in the shift tube.