Shift Linkage Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Check for a misadjustment in the shift linkage by matching the detents in the transmission range selector lever with those in the transaxle. If they match, the misadjustment is in the indicator. Do not adjust the shift linkage.
Hydraulic leakage at the manual control valve can cause delay in engagement and/or slipping while operating if the linkage is not correctly adjusted. Correctly adjust the shift linkage. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE-TRANSMISSION EXTERNAL CONTROLS - CD4E .