Firmly apply the parking brake and try to momentarily operate the starter in each shift lever position; the starter should only operate when the manual shift lever is in PARK or NEUTRAL. If it operates in any other position, adjust the shift cable. If the issue persists after adjustment, the Digital Transmission Range sensor may be defective. Ensure the manual shift lever is in NEUTRAL, then raise the vehicle and secure it on jackstands. At the transmission, pry the cable end off the transmission shift lever using a screwdriver or panel tool, release the cable retainer, and separate the shift cable from the transmission bracket. For 2005 and later models, disconnect the shift cable from the transmission shift lever by pulling up on the lock tab and release the cable retainer. Lower the vehicle and, working inside the passenger compartment, remove the knee bolster and steering column covers, disengage the shift cable from the controller ball stud under the steering column, pry the cable housing from the bracket, and remove the shift cable grommet from the firewall. Pull the shift cable through the firewall toward the transmission. Installation is the reverse of removal, followed by adjusting the cable. For center console-mounted shifters, place the shift lever in NEUTRAL, remove the center console side panels and top console shift cover, and raise the vehicle on jackstands. For 2004 models, pry the cable end off the transmission shift lever and disconnect the shift cable from the shift assembly mounting bracket. For 2005 and later models, disconnect the cable end from the transmission shift lever by rotating the lock upward. Lower the vehicle, remove the shift cable from the selector shaft, and release the cable retainer. Remove the shift cable grommet from the firewall and pull the shift cable through the hole toward the transmission. Installation is the reverse of removal, followed by adjusting the cable. In the passenger compartment, move the shift lever into the 1st position and back into DRIVE, placing a three-pound weight on the lever or having an assistant hold it. Raise the vehicle securely on jackstands, then for steering column-mounted shifters, pry the cable end off the transmission shift lever, move the manual shift lever to FIRST gear, then back to DRIVE, and slide the lock tab on the adjusting mechanism at the transmission bracket up to release. Reattach the shift cable to the transmission shift lever, ensuring the manual shift lever remains stationary, and slide the lock tab down to lock the shift cable into position. For 2005 and later models, disconnect the shift cable from the transmission shift lever, move the manual shift lever to FIRST gear, then back to DRIVE, and lock the shift cable lock tab. After adjusting, remove the jackstands, lower the vehicle, and remove any weight from the manual shift lever. Finally, move the manual shift lever through all gear positions to verify that the indicated positions correspond with the actual gear positions, ensuring the engine starts only in PARK and NEUTRAL, and that the back-up lights activate in REVERSE, making any necessary adjustments to the cable or transmission range sensor.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist 
