shifter question

[84chain]

I'm new to the Town Car and somewhat new to cars in general. The car has the shifter near the wheel where you lift then shift. Does anything happen mechanically with the transmission if you lift the stick but don't shift? Do you get better mileage by lifting it when idling at a red light in D?

 

[bbf2530]

I'm new to the Town Car and somewhat new to cars in general. The car has the shifter near the wheel where you lift then shift. Does anything happen mechanically with the transmission if you lift the stick but don't shift? Do you get better mileage by lifting it when idling at a red light in D?

Hi 84chain. I assume you are referring to what is called a “column shift”?

No, the vehicle will not get better mileage. It is best to leave it alone.
And if you simply lift/pull the shifter handle towards you, nothing happens. However, again, it is best to leave it alone unless you plan on shifting.

Good luck.

 

[etinpa]

That movement is related only to the "Shift Lock" that prevents shifting out of Park unless the brake pedal is depressed. The shift lever will only go to the full forward position in Park. In fact, if you pull slowly on the shift lever while in Park with the brake pedal depressed (key on) and listen closely, you can hear the shift interlock solenoid clicking on and off. Likewise, if you let the shift lever alone in Park and press and release the brake pedal, you can hear that same solenoid.

Once shifted out of Park, the shift lever does not return to the full forward position. This prevents the shift interlock solenoid from actuating every time you press on the brake.

Thus, except when in Park, any play in the forward / backward motion in the shift lever is normal play in that motion and does nothing.