I have had the same problem with a Taurus (FYI, same engine / same tranny), while you are doing as microsfoftxpuser21 has stated, be sure to check that you have not lost a bolt allowing the linkage to 'twist' instead of 'shift'. I was sure my tranny was shot a year or so ago when this happened to me, and was thankful to have a honest tranny tech tell me exactly what it was, stick in a new bolt and send me on my way with nothing more than a handshake and a thanks. | 
