Delayed/Soft Forward Engagement
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 11 other vehicles, including the 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, 2002 Lincoln Town Car, 2002 Ford Crown Victoria, 2001 Mercury Mountaineer, and 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fluid level and condition, shift linkage, low forward clutch pressure, low line pressure, low Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) pressure, oil filter (plugged), valve body (3-4 shift valve, main regulator valve), incorrectly tightened valve body bolts, 1-2 or 2-3 accumulator, pump assembly or forward clutch assembly.