Lincoln Mark VIII - won't go when put in gear

[CaptWalt]

I have a 1998 Mk VIII that was sitting for about a year due to illness.
The engine starts fine. Shifter works and feels normal, but when put in gear, nothing happens. This is for each gear. It worked fine when parked

We have a few ideas to investigate, but has anyone else experienced this?

 

[04_Sport_LS]

Something may have become disconnected... or become brittle and broke with the shifter linkage.

Have a buddy, neighbor, friend crawl under the car (engine not running) and have them watch the shifter cable while you move the shifter.

 

[howardr]

If you need a rebuilt trans .. available from ford and thru dealers at about $3500. Installed

 

[04_Sport_LS]

If the cable is not moving underneath, then it might be the shifter assembly at the other end.

 

[howardr]

I have a 1998 Mk VIII that was sitting for about a year due to illness.
The engine starts fine. Shifter works and feels normal, but when put in gear, nothing happens. This is for each gear. It worked fine when parked

We have a few ideas to investigate, but has anyone else experienced this?

 

[howardr]

Had 97 same problem . Put rebuilt trans from ford at $3500. Installed only drove less than 1500 miles . Problem returned 4 months before warranty ran out. Towed to dealer initial inspect said gasket leaking. Dealer could not get to move put 3 qts fluid went into gear . Pulled pan down discovered rubber gasket at fill tube was leaking. Not covered by warranty . Also speed sensor bad. So $709. Later works fine . Car has 170k miles owned 24 years . Fantastic car C and will still do 130 mph ( closed private road).