
03-05-08
Steering Columns And Linkage
03-05-08
tube.
In some instances the column
will shift into proper alignment when
the toe plate attaching nuts are loos-
ened. (Alignment is acceptable if a
.010 inch feeler blade can be passed
freely, completely around the area be-
tween the outer diameter of the steer-
ing shaft and the shift tube.) if the
misalignment condition can be attrib-
uted to this area, file or ream the dash
panel holes for greater clearance. If
the alignment is maintained after the
toe plate nuts and toe plate to column
clamp bolt and nut are torqued to the
8-12 ft-lb specification, no further ad-
justment is necessary.
4.
Remove instrument panel lower
trim panel. Vehicles equipped with a
combination radio stereo tape player
will require removal of the radio and
tape player assembly in order to gain
access to the upper R.H. steering col-
umn support bracket bolt.
5.
Loosen the seven bolts at the
steering column support bracket and
brake pedal support bracket.
6. Install a 3/16 inch diameter rod
spacer in the flex coupling to assure
proper clearance between upper and
lower steering shaft.
7.
Raise the vehicle, remove the
transmission splash shield, and visual-
ly align the column to center the
steering shaft in the column. Tighten
two toe plate attaching nuts sufficient-
ly to hold the column alignment (two
persons may be required for this oper-
ation).
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Check the clearance between the
steering column support bracket and
the instrument panel bracket. It may
be necessary to add shims (Part Num-
ber MK-3054-A .060 inch thick, or
C3AZ-3054-A, .113 inch thick) be-
tween the support bracket and the in-
strument panel bracket to prevent
movement of the column when the
support bracket bolts are tightened.
10.
Loosen the two toe plate at-
taching nuts previously tightened. Re-
check steering column alignment. In
some instances it may be necessary to
enlarge the holes in the dash panel in
order to obtain proper column align-
ment.
11.
With the column properly al-
igned, torque the four toe plate at-
taching nuts to 4-9 ft-lbs.
12.
Torque the toe plate to steering
column clamp bolt to 3-5 ft-lbs.
13.
Recheck steering shaft to shift
tube alignment. A 0.10 inch feeler
blade should pass freely, completely
around the area between the outer di-
ameter of the steering shaft and shift-
er tube.
14.
Raise the vehicle.
15.
Adjust transmission shift link-
age.
16.
Install transmission splash
shield.
17.
Lower the vehicle.
18.
Install the radio stereo tape
player if so equipped.
19.
Install instrument panel lower
trim panel.
20.
Connect the battery.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
STEERING COLUMN
FORD, MERCURY, METEOR
Removal
1.
Disconnect the battery cable
from the negative post.
2.
Disconnect the turn signal switch
wires at the connector.
3.
Disconnect the neutral start
switch and back-up light switch wires
from the switches.
4.
Disconnect the transmission con-
trol rod(s) from the lever(s) at the
lower end of the column.
5.
Remove the bolt that secures the
flex coupling to the steering gear.
6. Remove the nuts that secure the
column retainer and seal at the toe
plate (Fig. 11).
7.
Ford, Meteor: Remove the two
screws that secure the lower trim
shroud to the upper trim shroud. Re-
move the two shrouds.
Mercury: Remove the two screws
that secure the lower trim shroud to
the upper trim shroud. Remove the
top shroud Disconnect the ignition
switch light bulb. Remove the ignition
and light switch bezels and spring clip
and remove the lower shroud. Discon-
nect the light switch electrical connec-
tor block.
8. Remove the two screws that se-
cure the intermediate bracket to the
column lower bracket.
9. While supporting the steering
column, remove the two nuts that se-
cure the column lower bracket to the
instrument panel. Remove the brack-
ets.
10.
Lift the steering column and
wheel from the vehicle.
Installation
1.
Position the steering column in
the vehicle. Index the block tooth on
the steering gear shaft with the corre-
sponding slot on the flex coupling. In-
stall and tighten the flex coupling-
to-steering gear attaching bolt.
2.
Place the column upper bracket
and column lower bracket in position
on the column and install but do not
tighten the four attaching nuts.
3.
Install and tighten the two nuts
that secure the column lower bracket
to the instrument panel. Make certain
the column is properly positioned rela-
tive to the flex coupling input shaft
connection.
4.
Install and tighten the screws
that secure the intermediate bracket to
the column lower bracket.
5.
Tighten the four attaching nuts
at the upper and lower brackets and
the two nuts at the upper bracket to
instrument panel. The dial pointer (if
so equipped) should be adjusted to
coincide with the selector lever.
6. Install and tighten the nuts and
bolts that secure the column retainer
and seal at the toe plate. Make sure
the steering shaft is centered in the
column before tightening the nuts.
7.
Ford, Meteor: Install and tighten
the two screws that secure the lower
trim shroud to the upper trim shroud.
Mercury: Connect the light switch
harness block. Install the ignition and
light switch bezels. Connect the igni-
tion switch light bulb. Install the top
shroud and the two screws that secure
the lower trim shroud to the upper
shroud.
8. Connect the transmission control
rod(s) to the lever(s) at the lower end
of the column.
9. Connect the neutral start switch
and back-up light switch to their re-
spective terminals.
10.
Connect the turn signal switch
wires.
11.
Connect the negative battery
cable to the battery.
12.
Check the operation of the
steering tilt mechanism if so equipped
and the switches.procarmanuals.com

07-02-08
C4 Automatic Transmission
07-02-08
8. Install the outer downshift lever
and attaching nut, and torque the nut
to specification. Install the downshift
linkage rod to the downshift lever.
9. Install the switch wires. Connect
the wire multiple connector. Check
the operation of the switch in each de-
tent position. The engine should start
only with the transmission selector
lever in N (neutral) and P (park).
SELECTOR LEVER
REPLACEMENT—CONSOLE SHIFT
FORD-METEOR
1.
Raise the vehicle and disconnect
the link assembly from the selector
lever arm (Fig. 6).
2.
Lower the vehicle. Remove the
four screws and plates securing the se-
lector lever handle to the lever. Re-
move the handle and detent control.
3.
Remove the two screws from the
rear of the console top panel. Pull the
panel back to unhook it from the
front of the console and remove the
panel.
4.
Disconnect the neutral start
switch wires at the plug connector.
Disconnect the bulb socket from the
quadrant.
5.
Remove the four bolts that at-
tach the selector lever housing to the
floor pan and remove the selector
lever and housing.
6. Position the new selector lever
and housing assembly on the floor pan
and install the attaching bolts.
7.
Connect the bulb socket to the
quadrant and the neutral start switch
wires to the plug connector.
8. Raise the vehicle and secure the
link assembly to the selector lever arm
with the bushing, insulator, flat wash-
er and cotter pin (Fig. 6). Lower the
vehicle.
9. Place the console top panel on
the console and install the retaining
screws.
10.
Position the selector lever de-
tr*rtt control and handle on the selector
lever and secure with the four plates
and attaching screws.
FAIRLANE-MONTEGO
1.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist or
jack stands.
2.
Remove the retainer that secures
the manual linkage rod to the lower
end of the manual lever (Fig. 7).
3.
Remove the flat washer and two
insulator washers and disconnect the
rod from the arm.
4.
Working from inside of the vehi-
cle,
remove the selector lever handle
attaching screw. Lift the handle off
the selector lever.
DETENT PAWL
LOCK NUT
DETENT PAWL
ADJUSTMENT SCREW
DETENT PLATE
D 1644-A
FIG. 72—Typical Selector Lever Detent Pawl Adjustment
5.
Remove the console trim panel
from the top of the console. Remove
the console retaining screws and re-
move the console.
6. Remove the cover and dial indi-
cator as an assembly.
7.
Remove the four screws that se-
cure the selector lever retainer to the
selector lever housing. Lift the retainer
from the housing.
8. Disconnect the neutral start
switch wires at the plug connector.
Disconnect the bulb socket from the
selector lever housing.
9. Remove the three bolts that se-
cure the selector lever control housing
to the console. Lift the selector lever
housing from the console.
10.
Remove the selector lever to
housing attaching nut. Remove the
lever from the housing.
11.
Install the selector lever in the
housing and install the attaching nut.
Torque the nut to 20 to 25 ft-31bs.
12.
Install the selector lever handle.
13.
Position the selector lever as
shown in Figure 12. With a feeler
gauge, check the clearance between
the detent pawl and plate. The clear-
ance should be 0.005 to 0.010 inch. If
necessary adjust the height of the de-
tent pawl as shown in Figure 12.
14.
Remove the handle from the se-
lector lever.
15.
Position the selector lever hous-
ing in the console and install the three
attaching bolts. Do not tighten the at-
taching bolts at this time.
16.
Connect the bulb socket to the
selector lever housing and the neutral
start switch wires to the plug connec-
tor.
17.
Position the selector lever re-
tainer to the selector lever housing.
Install the four attaching screws.
18.
Install the cover and dial indi-
cator.
19.
Place the console in position
and install the retaining bolts. Tighten
the selector lever housing attaching
bolts.
20.
Position the console trim panel
and secure it with the attaching
screws.
21.
Install the handle and the but-
ton on the selector lever. Secure the
handle with the set screw.
22.
Secure the manual linkage rod
to the arm with two insulating wash-
ers,
a flat washer and a retainer (Fig.
7).
23.
Adjust the linkage as required.
J r the vehicle.
MUSTANG
1.
Raise the vehicle and remove the
manual lever control rod attaching nut
(Fig. 8).
2.
Lower the vehicle, remove the se-
lector lever handle attaching screw.
3.
Remove the dial housing attach-
ing screws and the housing.
4.
Remove the two pointer back-up
shield attaching screws and remove
the shield.
5.
Disconnect the dial indicator
light.
6. Remove the selector housing and
lever assembly attaching bolts. Re-
move the selector lever and housing.
7.
Remove the selector lever to
housing attaching nut. Remove the
lever from the housing.
8. Install the selector lever in the
housing and install the attaching nut.
Torque the nut to 20 to 25 ft-lbs.
9. Install the selector lever handle.
10.
Position the selector lever as
shown in Figure 12. With a feeler
gauge check the clearance between the
detent pawl and plate. The clearance
should be 0.005 to 0.010 inch. If nec-
essary adjust the height of the detent
pawl as shown in Figure 12.procarmanuals.com

07-03-08
FAAX Transmission
07-03-08
14.
Install the trim panel on the top
of the console. Install the selector
lever handle.
MUSTANG-COUGAR
1.
Place the transmission selector
lever in the N (Neutral) position.
2.
Raise the vehicle and remove the
manual lever control rod attaching nut
(Fig. 7).
3.
Lower the vehicle and remove
the selector lever handle attaching
screw and the handle.
4.
Remove the dial housing attach-
ing screws and the housing.
5.
Disconnect the dial indicator
light.
6. Disconnect the neutral start
switch and dial indicator light wires
from their connectors at the dash
panel.
7.
Remove the four selector housing
and lever assembly attaching bolts.
Remove the selector lever and housing
assembly.
8. Remove the two pointer back-up
shield attaching screws and remove
the shield.
9. Remove the two screws securing
the neutral start switch to the selector
lever housing. Push the neutral start
switch harness plug inward and re-
move the switch and harness assembly
(Fig. 9).
10.
Before installing the new
switch, hold it with the wires facing
downward and move the actuator
lever all the way to the left. Then, re-
turn the actuator lever to the neutral
position as shown in Figure 9.
11.
Position the harness and neutral
switch assembly in the selector lever
housing. Secure with the two attach-
ing screws.
12.
Install the pointer back-up
shield on the housing and lever assem-
bly.
13.
Position the selector lever and
housing assembly on the console and
install the attaching bolts.
14.
Connect the dial indicator light.
15.
Connect the neutral start switch
and dial indicator light wires to their
respective connectors at the dash
panel.
16.
Install the dial housing on the
selector lever housing assembly.
17.
Install the selector lever handle.
18.
Raise the vehicle and secure the
manual lever control rod to the selec-
tor lever arm.
19.
Lower the vehicle.
20.
Place the selector lever in the
park position and check the operation
of the switch.
DETENT PAWL
LOCK
NUT
DETENT PAWL
ADJUSTMENT SCREW
DETENT PLATE
D 1644-A
FIG.
10—Typical Selector Lever Detent Pawl Adjustment
SELECTOR LEVER
REPLACEMENT—CONSOLE
SHIFT—FAIRLANE
AND
MONTEGO
1.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist or
jack stands.
2.
Remove the retainer that secures
the manual linkage rod to the lower
end of the manual lever (Fig. 6).
3.
Remove the flat washer and two
insulator washers and disconnect the
rod from the arm.
4.
Working from inside of the vehi-
cle,
remove the selector lever handle
attaching screw. Lift the handle off
the selector lever.
5.
Remove the console trim panel
from the top of the console. Remove
the console retaining screws and re-
move the console.
6. Remove the cover and dial indi-
cator as an assembly.
7.
Remove the four screws that se-
cure the selector lever retainer to the
selector lever housing. Lift the retainer
from the housing.
8. Disconnect the neutral start
switch wires at the plug connector.
Disconnect the bulb socket from the
selector lever housing.
9. Remove the three bolts that se^
cure the selector lever control housing
to the console. Lift the selector lever
housing from the console.
10.
Remove the selector lever to
housing attaching nut. Remove the
lever from the housing.
11.
Install the selector lever in the
housing and install the attaching nut.
Torque the nut to 20 to 25 ft-lbs.
12.
Install the selector lever handle.
13.
Position the selector lever as
shown in Figure 10. With a feeler
gauge,
check the clearance between
the detent pawl and plate. The clear-
ance should be 0.005 to 0.010 inch. If
necessary adjust the height of the de-
tent pawl as shown in Figure 10.
14.
Remove the handle from the se-
lector lever.
15.
Position the selector lever hous-
ing in the console and install the three
attaching bolts. Do not tighten the at-
taching bolts at this time.
16.
Connect the bulb socket to the
selector lever housing and the neutral
start switch wires to the plug connec-
tor.
17.
Position the selector lever re-
tainer to the selector lever housing.
Install the four attaching screws.
18.
Install the cover and dial indi-
cator.
19.
Place the console in position
and install the retaining bolts. Tighten
the selector lever housing attaching
bolts.
20.
Position the console trim panel
and secure it with the attaching
screws.
21.
Install the handle and the but-
ton on the selector lever. Secure the
handle with the set screw.
22.
Secure the manual linkage rod
to the arm with two insulating wash-
ers,
a flat washer and a retainer (Fig.
6).
23.
Adjust the linkage as required.
Lower the vehicle.
MUSTANG-COUGAR
1.
Raise the vehicle and remove the
manual lever control rod attaching nut
(Fig. 7).
2.
Lower the vehicle, remove the se-
lector lever handle attaching screw.
3.
Remove the dial housing attach-
ing screws and the housing.procarmanuals.com

07-04-09
C-6 Automatic Transmission
07-04-09
MUSTANG AND COUGAR
1.
With the manual lever properly
adjusted, loosen the two switch attach-
ing bolts (Fig. 13).
2.
With the transmission manual
lever in neutral, rotate the switch and
insert the gauge pin (No. 43 drill
shank end) into the gauge pin holes of
the switch. The gauge pin has to be
inserted to a full 31/64 inch into the
three holes of the switch (Fig. 13).
3.
Torque the two switch attaching
bolts to specification. Remove the
gauge pin from the switch.
4.
Check the operation of the
switch. The engine should start only
with the transmission selector lever in
Neutral and Park.
NEUTRAL START SWITCH
REPLACEMENT—CONSOLE
SHIFT
On vehicles equipped with a
column-mounted neutral start switch,
refer to Part 7-1, Section 2, for the
replacement procedures.
FORD, MERCURY
AND METEOR
1.
Remove the four screws and
plates securing the selector lever
handle to the lever. Remove the
handle and detent control.
2.
Remove the two screws from the
rear of the console top panel. Pull the
panel back to unhook it from the
front of the console and remove the
panel.
3.
Remove the two screws securing
the dial indicator assembly to the se-
lector lever housing and remove the
indicator assembly.
4.
Disconnect the neutral start
switch wires at the plug connector.
Remove the wires from under the re-
taining clip.
5.
Remove the two screws securing
the neutral start switch to the selector
lever housing and remove the switch
(Fig. 11).
6. Position the neutral start switch
to the selector lever housing and in-
stall the two attaching screws.
7.
Adjust the neutral start switch as
outlined under the Neutral Start
Switch Adjustment procedures in this
section.
8. Connect the neutral start switch
Wires to the plug connector. Position
the wires in the retaining clip and
close the clip.
9. Place the console top panel on
the console and install the retaining
screws.
NEUTRAL START
SWITCH
D1459-A
FIG. 73—Neutral Start Switch
Adjustment—Console Shift—
Mustang and Cougar
10.
Position the selector lever de-
tent control and handle on the selector
lever and secure with the four plates
and attaching screws.
FAIRLANE AND MONTEGO
1.
Remove the selector lever handle
from the lever.
2.
Remove the trim panel from the
top of the console.
3.
Remove the cover and dial indi-
cator as an assembly.
4.
Remove the four screws that se-
cure the selector lever retainer to the
selector lever housing. Lift the retainer
from the housing.
5.
Remove the two screws securing
the neutral start switch to the selector
lever housing. Disconnect the neutral
start switch wires at the plug connec-
tor and remove the switch.
6. Position the neutral start switch
to the selector lever housing and in-
stall the two attaching screws.
7.
With the selector lever in neu-
tral,
move the selector lever back and
forth until the gauge pin (No. 43 drill)
can be fully inserted into the gauge
pin holes (Fig. 12).
8. Place the transmission selector
lever firmly against the stop of the
neutral detent position.
9. Slide the combination starter
neutral and back-up light switch for-
ward or rearward as required, until
the switch actuating lever contacts the
selector lever.
10.
Tighten the switch attaching
screws and remove the gauge pin.
11.
Connect the neutral start switch
wires to the plug connector and check
for starting in the park position.
12.
Position the selector lever re-
tainer to the selector lever housing.
Install the attaching screws.
13.
Install the cover and dial indi-
cator.
14.
Install the trim panel on the top
of the console. Install the selector
lever handle.
MUSTANG AND COUGAR
1.
Remove the downshift linkage
rod from the transmission downshift
lever.
2.
Apply penetrating oil to the
downshift lever shaft and nut. Remove
the transmission downshift outer lever
retaining nut and lever (Fig. 13).
3.
Remove the two neutral start
switch attaching bolts.
4.
Disconnect the multiple wire
connector. Remove the neutral switch
from the transmission.
5.
Install the neutral start switch on
the transmission. Install the two at-
taching bolts.
6. With the transmission manual
lever in neutral, rotate the switch and
install gauge pin (No. 43 drill) into
the gauge pin hole (Fig. 13).
7.
Tighten the switch attaching
bolts to specification and remove the
gauge pin.
8. Install the outer downshift lever
and attaching nut, and torque the nut
to specification. Install the downshift
linkage rod to the downshift lever.
9. Install the switch wires. Connect
the wire multiple connector. Check
the operation of the switch in each de-
tent position. The engine should start
only with the transmission selector
lever in N (neutral) and P (park).
SELECTOR LEVER
REPLACEMENT-
CONSOLE SHIFT
FORD, MERCURY
AND METEOR
1.
Raise the vehicle and disconnect
the link assembly from the selector
lever arm (Fig. 8).
2.
Lower the vehicle. Remove the
four screws and plates securing the se-
lector lever handle to the lever. Re-
move the handle and detent control.
3.
Remove the two screws from the
rear of the console top panel. Pull the
panel back to unhook it from the
front of the console and remove the
panel.
4.
Disconnect the neutral start
switch wires at the plug connector.
Disconnect the bulb socket from the
quadrant.procarmanuals.com

07-04-10
C-6 Automatic Transmission
07-04-10
5.
Remove the four bolts that at-
tach the selector lever housing to the
floor pan and remove the selector
lever and housing.
6. Position the new selector lever
and housing assembly on the floor pan
and install the attaching bolts.
7.
Connect the bulb socket to the
quadrant and the neutral start switch
wires to the plug connector.
8. Raise the vehicle and secure the
link assembly to the selector lever arm
with the bushing, insulator, flat wash-
er and cotter pin (Fig. 8). Lower the
vehicle.
9. Place the console top panel on
the console and install the retaining
screws.
10.
Position the selector lever de-
tent control and handle on the selector
lever and secure with the four plates
and attaching screws.
FAIRLANE AND MONTEGO
1.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist or
jack stands.
2.
Remove the retainer that secures
the manual linkage rod to the lower
end of the manual lever (Fig. 9).
3.
Remove the flat washer and two
insulator washers and disconnect the
rod from the arm.
4.
Working from inside of the vehi-
cle,
remove the selector lever handle
attaching screw. Lift the handle off
the selector lever.
5.
Remove the console trim panel
from the top of the console. Remove
the console retaining screws and re-
move the console.
6. Remove the cover and dial indi-
cator as an assembly.
7.
Remove the four screws that se-
cure the selector lever retainer to the
selector lever housing. Lift the retainer
from the housing.
8. Disconnect the neutral start
switch wires at the plug connector.
Disconnect the bulb socket from the
selector lever housing.
9. Remove the three bolts that se-
cure the selector lever control housing
to the console. Lift the selector lever
housing from the console.
10.
Remove the selector lever to
housing attaching nut. Remove the
lever from the housing.
11.
Install the selector lever in the
housing and install the attaching nut.
Torque the nut to 20 to 25 ft-lbs.
12.
Install the selector lever handle.
13.
Position the selector lever as
shown in Figure 14. With a feeler
gauge, check the clearance between
DETENT
PAWL
LOCK
NUT
DETENT
PAWL
ADJUSTMENT
SCREW
DETENT
PLATE
D
1644-A
FIG. 14—Typical Selector Lever Detent Pawl Adjustment
the detent pawl and plate. The clear-
ance should be 0.005 to 0.010 inch. If
necessary adjust the height of the de-
tent pawl as shown in Figure 14.
14.
Remove the handle from the se-
lector lever.
15.
Position the selector lever hous-
ing in the console and install the three
attaching bolts. Do not tighten the at-
taching bolts at this time.
16.
Connect the bulb socket to the
selector lever housing and the neutral
start switch wires to the plug connec-
tor.
17.
Position the selector lever re-
tainer to the selector lever housing.
Install the four attaching screws.
18.
Install the cover and dial indi-
cator.
19.
Place the console in position
and install the retaining bolts. Tighten
the selector lever housing attaching
bolts.
20.
Position the console trim panel
and secure it with the attaching
screws.
21.
Install the handle and the but-
ton on the selector lever. Secure the
handle with the set screw.
22.
Secure the manual linkage rod
to the arm with two insulating wash-
ers,
a flat washer and a retainer (Fig.
9).
23.
Adjust the linkage as required.
Lower the vehicle.
MUSTANG AND COUGAR
1.
Raise the vehicle and remove the
manual lever control rod attaching nut
(Fig. 10).
2.
Lower the vehicle, remove the se-
lector lever handle attaching screw.
3.
Remove the dial housing attach-
ing screws and the housing.
4.
Remove the pointer back-up
shield attaching screws and remove
the shield.
5.
Disconnect the dial indicator
light.
6. Remove the selector housing and
lever assembly attaching bolts. Re-
move the selector lever and housing.
7.
Remove the selector lever to
housing attaching nut. Remove the
lever from the housing.
8. Install the selector lever in the
housing and install the attaching nut.
Torque the nut to 20 to 25 ft-lbs.
9. Install the selector lever handle.
10.
Position the selector lever as
shown in Figure 14. With a feeler
gauge check the clearance between the
detent pawl and plate. The clearance
should be 0.005 to 0.010 inch. If nec-
essary adjust the height of the detent
pawl as shown in Figure 14.
11.
Remove the handle from the se-
lector lever.
12.
Install the selector housing and
lever assembly as shown in Figure 10.
Torque the attaching bolts 4-6 ft-lbs.
13.
Connect the dial indicator light.
14.
Install the pointer back-up
shield on the housing and lever assem-
bly.
15.
Install the dial housing and
tighten the attaching screws.
16.
Install the selector lever handle
and tighten the attaching screw.
17.
Position the selector lever in the
D position.
18.
Raise the vehicle. Install the
transmission manual lever rod to the
selector lever. Adjust the manual link-
age.
19.
Lower the vehicle and check the
transmission operation in each selec-
tor lever detent position.procarmanuals.com