A problem with several causes. First i would check and make sure that all the linkages were working between the shifter and the transmission. most of the time,there may be a loose bolt or missing pin on the linkage. if all of that is o.k., check fluid levels to make sure it is full. If all that is o.k., you probably need to see about a transmission or transmission repair.
For an automatic transmission, check the side of the transmission by or at where the shifter linkage goes into the trans. For a manual transmission, check under the shifter boot.
The 2002 Ford Windstar shifter cable goes from the back of the transmission to the bottom of the shifter stick. The cable is approximately 6 feet long.
your problem is the transmission. you need to replace the transmission
yes it is
Shift cable
maybe one of the cables that attach to the shifter and the transmission broke. one pushes forward and back one goes side to side.
go throught the shifter plate inside the car.
yes you can do this yourself by taking out the shifter and cutting it shorter with a saw. but then you will need to re-thread the shifter in order to screw a knob on. unless you have a knob that attaches itsself to the shifter with screws on the side. this is a ghetto way of doing it, but will work. or if you have $100-$200 to spend, simply buy a cimplete new short shifter off ebay, or anywhere and install it yourself which is a pretty simple job. take off the dash surrounding the shifter by popping it outwith a flat-head screw driver or your fingers. unattach the shift boot (the leather-like material surrounding the shifter. from here, you will be able to see the top of your transmission, where the shifter goes in. unscrew the plate on top of the transmission, and slide out the whole shifter. simply repeat this process in reverse to install your new aftermarket short shifter, making absolutely sure you are putting in the white plastic bushing at the end of the shifter that goes into the transmission, which ensures that it is secure and there is no play in the shifter.
Needs internal transmission repairs. Find a good shop.
Check the fluid level, if that's up you probably have a serious transmission problem. It's possible that the filter is plugged, but if it's plugged that usually means that the clutches have disintegrated... so you probably have a serious transmission problem.
there is a small cable in the steering column by the shifter arm it is probably broken
They don't use linkage, they use a cable. The cable goes between the shift lever mechanism to the transmission.