Originally posted by ibub:
first thing to do is pull up the shifter boot and check to see if the screws that hold the shifter bracket in place are loose. although ford often used only 2 screws, there are holes for 4 and 4 should be used. after this is checked, then move to the cable ends.



I had the exact same problem (way too much play in shifter and hard to get in 1st/2nd) and this is exactly what was wrong. Four holes, but only 2 screws and they were so loose I literally pulled them out straight out. Once I tightened the screws everything was fine, and getting 2 more is on my to-do list. Can't believe the bean-counters only allowed 2 screws to be installed at the factory

'99 Contour SVT