FORD 2002 AUTOMATIC

[MRS. CLEAN]

When I start my car, I put my foot on the brake because there's an
auto lock on the shift in park for safety reasons.

Lately, I put my foot on the brake, the car starts, but won't go into
gear (whether "reverse" or "drive"). It remains locked in "park".

What is the problem? How much to repair replace or fix it?

[MRS. CLEAN]

Automatic gearshift stuck in park

Looking for info on gear lever inhibitor switch:

I can only release from park by removing blanking bung from centre
console pressing manual release.

Is the release linked to stop light switch, manual or electric? Once
released from park, everything works fine until l put back in park
position again.

Solution:

The release for the shifter is tied to the brake lights. Check to see
if the brake lights work. If they don't, then test the brake light
switch at the top of the brake pedal. If it lights a test lite when
you press the brake, then it is ok.

In that case, you need to check the little solenoid that pulls the
cable to unlock the shifter. It is bolted to the top of the steering
column, in order to get at it you will have to unbolt the column and
drop it down.

[7 LAMPSTICKS 7 FEASTS 7 AGES OF DISPENSATION 7 SEALS 7 TRUMPETS 7 BOWLS]

If it is the shifter, then you must buy a one. Cost? $150. Labor?
DIY.

Also, there's a plug to the right of the shifter, just pull it off and
stick a screw driver in to release the solenoid. Then put the car in
Neutral and start it.

You can save the repair that way :)