97 lincoln continental auto trans wont shift out of first gear

There could be a safety interlock to prevent the gear lever being moved from P or N until the brake pedal is pressed.

Check the Coolant (antifreeze) level. My 94 continental has a hard time shifting from 2nd to 3rd when the level is low. Also, this may indicate that the transmission fluid is too old to work properly. The transmission fluid is cooled at the bottom of the radiator, since cool fluid works better than hot fluid (especially when the trans fluid is old) that could make the transmission not shift properly. Keep the coolant level up until you can have the trans fluid checked.

First have the transmission fluid changed and a new filter installed, if that fails to cure the issue time for an overhaul.

Is check engine light on? possibly bad solenoid pack inside transmission.

Check the vacuum lines going from trans to the intake. Sometimes that will cause it to rev real hi and shift real hard. Even a small leak. They prob jast dropped the pan and changed filter b4. That leaves the oil in the lines there. you have to pump it all out to change it all. My trans in my lincoln just went out. So i would say it wouldnt hurt to change it. Put some lucus trans treatment in it to. Couldnt hurt.

The TCM or transmission control module may be bad or a stuck trans. shift soleniod. It may be worth it just to take it to a certified transmission shop to have them run a diagnostic check to retrieve the TCM's trouble codes then go from there.

hook the cable back up to the trans or columb likely it is just poped off

Unfortunately it sounds like your automatic transmission has suffered a catastrophic failure. But to be sure, allow your vehicle to warm up to normal operating temprature, pull the oil level dipstick for the transmission and check the level. It should be in the checker portion of the stick to be correct level. If it is not, adding fluid may help the condition temporarily. Check for leaks while the engine is running. Have Lincoln or transmission specialist have a look. When it comes to transmissions in general, it is best to let the pros handle it for youl

when you say it wont shift out of first gear what do mean it stays in first the whole time or it goes into like a nuetral state