Just a note, for future reference to anyone who comes across the thread.
This problem happens pretty often, it's usually just needing some fiddling and playing with to fix (I had the same issue).
My buddy had the same issue with his crown vic h-vac, which looks to be the same control and size bulb.
And as far as the auto shifter, there is a guide, I think it was on sn95 forum. But it's pretty straight forward
1.take out center console and boot
2. take out the few screws around the shifter (star screws)
3. pull up the shifter
4.Twist out the old bulb