96 Tranny shift selector

I have a 96 Taurus w/ 250k, the transmission was replaced at sround 100-100k by previous owner. The problem I am having is the shift selector will not engage the tranny. I can take and run the selector up and down the whole range and nothing. I looked into Haynes and they talk about a "Transmission Regulator" or TR where the shift cable mounts to, does anyone have any experience or opinions on this, if I am looking in the right direction? Is this part available at the local autoparts or is it an OEM, I can't seem to locate it at the local under the "transmission Regulator" description?

Can you feel the detents when you go through the gears? If it is smooth and no stopping and holding when it is placed on a gear, look to see if the cable is loose or broken.

Can you feel the detents when you go through the gears? If it is smooth and no stopping and holding when it is placed on a gear, look to see if the cable is loose or broken. Have someone move the gear selector while you look under the master cylinder at where the cable attaches to the transaxle. The lever should move. If it does not move, check cable. If it moves, the TR sensor bolts on under where the linkage attaches to transaxle. Part is usually under 50$.

[Way2old
Thank you for the information.

I can let go of the shift button and it will stay in that location on the shift selector. I believe the cable is okay, but I will double check when I can get an extra pair of hands/eyes. I know where it is located and it looks fairly easy to get to, are there any things to look out for when changing the part, and is it truly called the 'transmission regulator'?

It is called a Transmission Range Sensor or a Manual Lever Positioning Sensor. You just need to have vehicle in neutral and line up the little line on sensor with little line on mounting. You will see what I mean when you remove it. I don't think the TR sensor is your problem though. Could be, but I have my doubts.

What would your suspicion be? I mean, I can move the selector out of park, and the tranny itself will not engage in any of the positions. Do you think it's shot?