96 lincoln continental floor shifter moves but doesn't engage transmission

Transmission will not go forward or backwards and if full of fluid. Possible bad shifter cable of shift collar or internal transmission problems. Look under car where the shifter cable is hooked to the transmission. Does it move when the lever is moved into the different gear locations?

I would say it has something to do with this !
Shift Interlock System An ignition/shifter interlock mechanism is installed to prevent shifting the transaxle out of the PARK position unless the ignition switch is rotated to RUN and the brake pedal is applied. The floor shift interlock system consists of:

• an actuator assembly integral to the ignition/shifter interlock cable assembly.
• a bracket retaining the actuator.
• the necessary wiring.

The solenoid is energized when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position, locking the transaxle range selector lever in the PARK position. When the brake pedal is applied and the stoplight switch (13480) is activated, the ignition/shifter interlock actuator is deactivated and the transaxle range selector lever can be moved out of the PARK position.

if auto tranny run the fault codes as the torque converter clutch servo/solenoid is not working
if a manual then the clutch is not being allowed to engage . possibly blocked compensating port in master cylinder or jammed clutch cable
the worst scenario is that the pressure plate diaphragm has broken or the centre has been broken out of the clutch plate

1,.Make sure your key is inserted all the way into your ignition switch. It if is not, you will not be able to move the shifter. Make sure it is all the way in by turning it to the "Run" position and waiting for the engine to engage.
2. Press the brake pedal after you start your car and before you try to move your shifter. Most cars do not allow you to move the shifter if you are not pressing the brake pedal.
3. Clean the panels around the shifter. Often these can accumulate dirt or sticky debris that can prevent you from shifting into gear.
4. Remove the console cover over the shifter by unscrewing the corners and popping it off. You can then make sure there is nothing underneath preventing you from shifting.
5. Press the override button at the base of the shifter if it is not working properly.

TRY NEUTRAL ON THE COLUMN THEN MOVE SHIFTER ON FLOOR IN 4WD.I THINK YOUR TRYING TO MOVE SHIFTER ON FLOOR WHILE ITS IN DRIVE.

Hello bystlouisbou
You're 96 lincoln cont. has a 4speed overdrive transmission model #AX4N.
Hope this helps.

the light comes from a small bulb, pull the shifter out and replace the bulb

Make sure you have brake lights.This is were the shifter solenoid gets it's signal from to get it out of gear.
One thing you can try is turn the igntion switch towards the run postion stopping just short of activating the electronics.Then try and move shifter to neutral then you can start it and out it into gear so you can drive it to get it fixed.

broken linkage

Broken drive shaft or U joint or a burnted out transmission