I have a 2002 ford escort, and while replacing the gear shift lever light bulb. I noticed this metal rod and plastic piece that used to be attached to some thing. What I need to know is what does it do and is it important? You can see from attached picture what I mean. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank You.

 

that is part of the shift interlock. Yours has likely been tied down in some manner rendering this part useless. People do this often to avoid having to replace the solenoid which actuates this lever when the pedal is pressed.