can't get out of park

[brother chris]

1996 Ford Aerostar: <br />Can't get shifter out of park after starting van. <br />Even when the brake is applied. <br />Any ideas anyone? <br />Thanks in advance.<br />B.C.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: can't get out of park

Does it shift o/k when the key is 'off'?

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: can't get out of park

Hello:<br /><br />This might sound funny, but try rocking the van (With the help of a few friends) It worked when our camper locked in Park at the top of a one lane boat ramp <br /><br />Craig

 

[KRS]

Re: can't get out of park

My Ford car did it, the shift cable broke.<br /><br />Does the shifter not move at all, or move too freely?<br /><br />If it is a transversely mounted engine, start it, put on emergency brake, block 2 or more tires VERY WELL, get someone inside (an adult you trust) to push hard on the brake, open the hood, use your hand to rotate the cam on top of the transmission where the cable terminates. If it goes into/out of gear, then it is probably the cable. If not... other problems.

 

[brother chris]

Re: can't get out of park

Sorry, I should have been a bit more clear in my description. <br />Once I put the key in and turn it to the first click, I can shift it into any gear.<br />But it will not shift out of park if I start the van first. <br />The only way I can get it to shift, is if I turn the key to the first click(before starting the van).<br />I hope I am explaining this right.

 

[RPJS]

Re: can't get out of park

I think that there is a safety devise which stops you selecting any gear when the engine is running without your foot on the brake, check for lose wires on the switch mounted on the brake pedal, also the solinoid on the gear box.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: can't get out of park

Hi Chris, my E250 has been doing the same thing lately. Hit your brakes several times and then try. If that doesn't work, turn key to first notch and place your shifter into neutral (foot on the brake) then start the vehicle. I have had to do this several times in the last few months. <br /><br />There is a solenoid that works off the brake circuit that disengages the shifter. Apparently they get weak after lots of use. Hitting the brake several times while it is running works, but like I said, if all fails or you have deferred success, turn the key to unlock the steering, press on the brake and put the shifter into neutral to start your van. Good Luck<br /><br />At least this will get you going until you can get it to the shop. If you do the above and the van won't move in any position and stays in park, then your linkage or cable is broken.

 

[KRS]

Re: can't get out of park

The sensor that interrupts the circuit, is it the switch engaged by the brake pedal arm mounted just under the dash or built into the brake system ie: hydraulic pressure activated?<br /><br />If it uses the brake light switch under the dash, spray some electrical switch cleaner into the switch to get it working properly (had to do that on an old landcruiser).

 

[DJ]

Re: can't get out of park

You have a blown fuse or a burned out brake light. The shift interlock is wired through the brake light circuit.

 

[Airpacker]

Re: can't get out of park

Check your brake lights. if they work, the shift interlock solenoid, wiring or connections are at fault

 

[brother chris]

Re: can't get out of park

Well, thanks for the replies guys.<br />I think DJ has solved the problem once again. The brake lights do not work. <br />I will change the fuse when I get home. <br />Thanks again guys. <br />You guys rock!

 

[KRS]

Re: can't get out of park

Or... the brake light switch isn't being actuated to turn on the lights, even if the fuse is good. Dust and grit get into that switch and it needs a cleanin'.