If you can't shift your Ford Taurus out of park, it's possible the gear lever cable has snapped. This should be repaired by a mechanic but can be done at home with the right tools and expertise.
Raise the car safely with the use of two hydraulic jacks to keep the car evenly balanced and chock the rear wheels for extra protection. Note the shroud on the upper steering column. Undo the retaining screws and remove the shroud. If your Taurus has cruise control you should also disconnect the actuator cable at the same time.
Locate the release pin for the ignition cylinder and using the awl, insert it into the hole to release the pin. Twist the cylinder lock until it is in "Run" position and remove the cylinder from the steering column. Dislocate the lower steering shroud and remove the bolster from the instrument panel.
Turn the "Shift Indicator Adjustment Wheel" in a clockwise direction. This will allow you to disengage the cable from the column lever. Drag the cable through the adjuster until it can hang free of the steering column. At this point you need to employ the thick wire and thread it into the cable rod at the steering column end of lever cable.
Loosen and remove the nut on the control lever and transaxle bracket. Pop out the rubber grommet that sits in the firewall and pull the cable out through the firewall from the engine compartment. Do not allow the length of wire to come through the firewall at this time.
Remove the bracket assembly from the transaxle. Remove the wire from the damaged cable and attach it to the new cable. Attach the bracket back to the transaxle and gently drag the wire---with the new cable attached---through the firewall grommet hole. Connect the cable back, replace the steering column shroud.
Pull the parking brake. Set the gear selector lever to "Drive." At this juncture you will require a spare pair of hands. Ask your buddy to hold the gear selector lever in place firmly while you make adjustments. Loosen the nut at the transaxle and pull the control lever to as far left as it will go. This is known as the "Second Detent" which is the "Rear" position. Tighten the nut on the cable and test each gear to make sure they are correctly selected.
Remove the hydraulic jacks and chock blocks and test the car in motion.
