A/T Shift Linkage Diagnosis - Shop Manual Revision

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TRANSAXLE - SHIFT CONTROL LINKAGE Article No.
DIAGNOSIS - SHOP MANUAL REVISION 87-14-9
FORD: 1986-87 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1986-87 SABLE


ISSUE: The Taurus/Sable Car Shop Manual, Section 17-02, did not include a PRNDL cable adjustment as a possible cause of a misaligned PRNDL indicator. Failure to check the adjustment of the PRNDL cable can result in unnecessary adjustment of the shift control linkage components which may affect the transaxle shift performance.

ACTION: If the PRNDL indicator does not match the transaxle gear, the PRNDL cable could be misaligned on the steering column shift socket. Refer to the following service diagnostic procedure.

1. Remove upper and lower steering column shrouds.

2. Place shift lever in "D" (Drive) position with CLC transmission or in "(D)" (Overdrive) position with AXOD transmissions. Hang an 8 lb. weight on the shift selector lever to make sure the lever is located firmly against the "D" (Drive) or "(D)" (Overdrive) detent.
3. Loosen PRNDL cable bracket retaining hex-head screw.

4. Adjust PRNDL cable until PRNDL indicator completely covers "D" for CLC transmission or "(D)" for AXOD transmission.

5. Tighten PRNDL cable bracket retaining hexhead screw to 18-30 in.lbs. (2.0-3.4 N-m) and remove weight.

6. Cycle shift lever through all positions and check that the PRNDL indicator completely covers the proper letter or number in each position.

7. Reinstall upper and lower steering column shrouds.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"