rcosta

I have an 02 Ford Focus with 70,000 miles. This morning, (it was 9 degrees, don't know if that is important), I could not shift out of Park. A friend helped me overide what I believe was the Neutral Safety Swtich. This allowed me to change gears (it is an automatic) and the car seemed to drive fine. But, when I put it into Park, I cannot get it out without overiding the switch.
Not sure if this is related, but just in case, about 3 weeks ago, the Door Ajar indicator light startied going on when I hit the brake pedal. It periodically stops and starts.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.

Bert

Have you tried turning the key one notch before ignition on and trying to shift out of park, then turn to ignition on? The brake light switch controls part of it.

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Bert

rcosta

Thanks, but I have tried that. But appreciate the suggestion.

thefonz

Make sure you still have brake lights. the same fuse and switch controls the shifter interlock and the brake lights. If you have cruise control, there is another switch on the brake pedal that also works off the same fuse.

rcosta

Bingo, that was it. I replaced the brake fuse and I was able to get it out of Park. I was wondering if that was a safety feature to prevent driving without brake lights.

Thanks for the tip.