Cant shift out of park

[fergubl]

Has anyone had this problem??? I start my truck and the shifter on the column seems to be locked up - kinda like I don't have my foot on the brake to shift into drive. Then all of a sudden it shifts after I jiggle the shifter a little - how hard is it to fix??? Someone please - I have a feeling before too long I won't be able to shift it at all.

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[H_1]

Had something very similar happen last summer. Here's what we found.
We have a 97 Expedition with the auto tranny. The lawyer switch prevents shifting out of park unless the brake is pressed. This switch is connected to the brake pedal's arm. Over a period of years, the wiring connected to this switch frayed, and eventually broke. At that point, I could not shift it out of park. I might have directed some unkind words towards the interns that designed this component at that point.

In theory, although I'm sure this is illegal and so should not be done under any circumstances, the fuse controlling said interlock could be looked up in the manual and pulled. But that would leave you without a brake light. Of course, if the wire's broken you don't have one anyway.

A fix involves a trip to electrode hut and ten minutes with some blade connectors, electrical tape, and a crimper. If you should happen to pull the switch, the fix should become apparent. If you have trouble pulling the switch, it might be time to call for reinforcements.

Good luck!

[fergubl]

Thank you H_1 - I will give it a shot -

[fergubl]

You were right - thats exactly what it was - the Brake on off switch - as ford calls it.

I replaced it last night and low and behold - life is good again.


Thanks again.