Sloppy manual shifter (sticky feeling)

[Baglebry000]

I am currently in the process of buying a 1996 ford contour GL sedan 4D with the inline 2 liter and 5 speed manual. The car is great besides a very very sloppy and playful shifter. It feels like I’m pulling through tar when making shifts and there’s no mechanical clicking or feeling when it goes into every gear. Doesn’t pop out at all and doesn’t really grind at all either just no feeling at all for the gears and lots of play. I am wondering what could be causing this. Do these cars have shift linkage bushings that are easily accessible and replaceable? Is it the detents wearing out? What else should I be looking for? It’s really all that’s wrong with this car and I want to know if it’s worth getting into or not. Please let me know if any of you have dealt with this or know a solution. I do not have access to the car right now all I know is what’s in the post above. Sloppy sticky and playful shifts but the trans does work. Thanks.

 

[ruwfo]

Manual trans cars have cables & bushings, here are a set of Ebay cables

OEM Ford Transmission Shift Control Cable F5RZ7E395A for 95-96 Contour Mystique for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OEM Ford Transmission Shift Control Cable F5RZ7E395A for 95-96 Contour Mystique at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

bushings too

fitzall Clip Shift Cable Repair Fits Vehicles That Have 3/8 Cable End | eBay

Transtar’s product portfolio reflects our commitment to our customers. Our team provides you with the best, most reliable products at the best available value – all sourced from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry.

www.ebay.com

get yourself a shop manual you'll need it one day.

1996 Ford Contour Mercury Mystique shop service repair dealer manual wiring | eBay

These are original manuals straight from the Ford dealer, NOT reprints. These manuals are in GOOD condition. Service manual, about 2" thick. Electrical & Vacuum manual, about 1/2" thick.

www.ebay.com

 

[blu_fuz]

Incorrect info ruwfo, 95-97 contours have a rod shift assembly.

 

[blu_fuz]

Here is a link for more info on your shifter:

Rod shift linkage..

...I have had a few mails about the early (95>97) rod likkage on the MTX75. Out of interest, how many owners have the early type trans and would there be any interest in how to service the linkage etc? As most know,over time the early set up can become stiff etc. maybe some info would help as ...

www.fordcontour.org