Can't Shift Out Of PARK

fajita · #1 02-09-2009, 06:56 PM

'98 F-150, 5.4L, 4-speed automatic + OD. 120k miles.
I've searched the forums but haven't found an answer.
A few weeks ago, I fired up & tried to shift out of park - wouldn't budge. Finally, while pumping the brakes and 'jiggling' the key, it shifted out of park and I kinda let it go. Several days went by & no repeat of the problem. Now for the last few days, it's been happening again. Doesn't seem to matter if it's cold or warmed-up, parked flat or on a slight incline. Ambient temperatures (Seattle area) haven't been too extreme (and this pickup 'grew up' in northern Canada) - 25 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Fluid looks clean, doesn't leak and I keep fluids maintained at the proper level.
Any known issues that might cause this?
Anybody have or had similar issues?
Thanx for any input!

Darrin Burch · #2 02-10-2009, 07:55 AM

From the description I would check the brake switch. It sounds like it isn't providing the signal to allow the to shifter unlock.

Darrin

Raoul · #3 02-10-2009, 08:02 AM

Safety feature, won't allow you shift out of Park unless you have your foot on the brake.

When the brake switch goes bad, it's telling the shifter not to shift because you don't have your foot on the brake,

even if you are standing on the brake pedal with both feet.

ditchdoc94 · #4 02-10-2009, 01:41 PM

sounds like my problem. The ford tech said check brake lights if they work your switch is fine. don't know if that is correct or not but don't have a lot of choice now. If that isn't it i was told I have to replace my entire shifter mechanism.

BlueOvalFitter · #5 02-10-2009, 05:49 PM

Check the connections to the BOO (brake on/off) switch first! When I had a 97 f150,that what was wrong with mine!

projectSHO89 · #6 02-10-2009, 06:27 PM

Don't forget that this is also a symptom of a blown fuse for the brake lights, usually due to the owner FAILING TO RESPOND TO THEIR RECALL NOTICE!!!!

fajita · #7 02-11-2009, 02:08 AM

The brake light switch was bad! Fuses checked out OK but brake lights weren't working. So.....I replaced the switch and voila - problem gone!
I was amazed - it was a 5-minute job even for an automotive klutz like me.
I really appreciate the input you all provided - I can almost build a PC from 3 paperclips, a disassembled ball-point pen and 2 AA batteries but don't do much "hands-on" with the vehicles (except for replacing oil, filters, bulbs & fuses stuff).
'98 F-150...................the workhorse
'96 Windstar...............grandchild hauler (& loaner when the kids need it)
'07 Mitsubishi Spyder....my daily drive
08 Nissan Altima..........wife's daily drive

Raoul · #8 02-11-2009, 07:29 AM

I see you have a Windstar.
I had a '95 and that is actually where my brake switch went bad.

Luckily, the Windstar was under warranty and Ford wasn't near bankruptcy a dozen years ago because I snapped that shifter in half and they covered it.
It was dangling in the floorboard hanging by the O/D wire.

The Windstar and F-150 have the same shifter handle. It's steel but it's hollow and when an idiot like me thinks it just stuck.....:o