help please 1990 lincoln towncar shift problems

[Chad M K.]

i cant get it to shift out of park or turn the car off what do i do

[junk yard doggie]

This is the message:

My car is stuck in drive the shifter is loose i can't put the car in park or turn the car off to get the key out. Can you help me?




Hi Chad

Is it stuck in park or drive?

That sounds like it could be a linkage problem. Try inspecting and spraying all the linkage on the outside of the transmission with some WD 40. The linkage could be rusted up or bent. If that doesn't help disconnect the linkage where it bolts to the transmission, and see if you can move the shift lever freely. You should be able to move the lever on the transmission through the gears, make sure the wheels are blocked. You should be able to see what's going on under there if you do those things.

Mike