Shift Linkage Check
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Windstar. 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 linkage is not correctly adjusted. Refer to TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION EXTERNAL CONTROLS for shift linkage adjustment.