A few problems with '99 Linc

My dad owns a 1999 Lincoln Continental with about 90,000 miles. Recently there has been a problem with the transmission slipping durring shifts at any rpm. More recently, it has gotten worse. Yesterday when he tried to move it, it would only engage park, reverse and Neutral. Drive and any other gear were not accessible. Is transmission failure a common thing on the later continentals? I have only read about older ones having problems.

Any insight before he takes it to the dealership? I think hes planning on purchasing an extended warranty because the power steering is failing as well.

This car has been nothing but a money pit from day one. Very unlike Ford IMO.

Thanks for your help.
~Cody Julian

I've not heard of any transmission problems with the 1999 Conti's.

Looking at Alldata, there's some notes on that transmission but not like your describing.
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/32/993201DL.html