Selector Lever Linkage Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Milan, 2009 Lincoln MKZ, and 2009 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Hydraulic leakage at the manual control valve can cause delay in engagements and/or slipping while operating if the selector lever linkage is not correctly adjusted. Refer to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION EXTERNAL CONTROLS article for selector lever linkage adjustment.