On my 1997 Thunderbird the shift lever suddenly cannot be moved out of park position. The latch button on the left side of the shift lever cannot be depressed enough to allow latch to disengage. Foot on brake doesn't resolve the problem. Any ideas on what is the problem, and how to remedy it?

Gene
Dallas

 

First check to make sure the brake lights are working. The shift lock solenoid uses the same switch as the brake lights do. If the lights don't work, you probably got a bad switch on the pedal lever. If you look down there you'll see the switch. Unplug the wire and use a piece of wire to jump the 2 terminals. With the key in run, you might hear the shift lock solenoid clicking. If so, get a new Stop lamp switch and be on your way.

It gets a bit more complicated after that. You can check the fuse(look in owners manual for location) but usually an open fuse indicates an electrical problem which requires more diagnostics than any forum could show you. It's also not terribly uncommon for sticky liquids and food crumbs and stuff to get down into the shifter itself and cause troubles that can usually be fixed with a little clean-up.

 

Thanks, OK, let's assume the brake switch and the fuse check out OK.
Maybe there is gunk or grease or wear or whatever causing
the shift lever mechanism to jam...Is there any way to get access to the
shift lever mechanism, to clear it, or is that beyond the
do-it-yourself level? Thanks.

 

With some minor tools and some patience you should be able to get the center console out of the way enough to check for gunk. Just pay careful attention and don't yank and pull at plastic trim pieces. Most of it comes apart pretty easily as long as the right screws have been removed. You may also want to get yourself a Haynes Manual to help out.

 

i have a 94 mustang same problem? cant figure it out

 

an air bag an brake light is on