1999 Taurus SE Won't shift into drive?

I just bought car has 87k miles I know from who I bought it from it had the shifting problem. Now here is my question .....

WHY does it take off but won't shift into drive? Any suggestions?

I just bought car has 87k miles I know from who I bought it from it had the shifting problem. Now here is my question .....

WHY does it take off but won't shift into drive? Any suggestions?
What?? Why does what take off? How does it take off if it won't shift into drive?

What?? Why does what take off? How does it take off if it won't shift into drive?

Ok let me clear this up

Basicly car will go in reverse just fine, BUT.... when in drive will only drive in low (or roll forward) and is unable to get into 1st. gear and beond.

that is typical AX4S transmission failure. One of the pistons inside the transmission warped and won't move properly to allow the car to move.

that is typical AX4S transmission failure. One of the pistons inside the transmission warped and won't move properly to allow the car to move.

Do you know where I can get a diagram of all this anywhere online? I've looked around a bit but not finding much on the pistions.
Hey and thanks a bunch, be nice to get it back on the road soon : )

you'd need to get a Ford AX4S repair manual. Its best to rebuild it while its open because the part in question is pretty deep in there.