T.W. Day

I have a 1998 Ford Escort Wagon with an auto transmission. Today, I
attempted to drive the thing and discovered that the transmission is locked
in Park. The brake lights work, so the brake switch is fine, but the
transmission absolutely won't budge from park. Any ideas?

 

Bob Bailin

"T.W. Day" <twday@usa.com> wrote in message
news:zYfwf.437000$zb5.2994@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> I have a 1998 Ford Escort Wagon with an auto transmission. Today, I
> attempted to drive the thing and discovered that the transmission is
locked
> in Park. The brake lights work, so the brake switch is fine, but the
> transmission absolutely won't budge from park. Any ideas?

A fairly common problem on many cars. The shift interlock solenoid is stuck
or broken, usually just stuck from passengers spilling sticky sodas into
the console area. Once you take the console apart, you can clean up the
solenoid with electrical degreaser spray. But taking apart the shift console
is
a pain on most cars these days (lots of hidden fasteners), so be warned.

Bob

fireater

T.W. Day wrote:
> I have a 1998 Ford Escort Wagon with an auto transmission. Today, I
> attempted to drive the thing and discovered that the transmission is locked
> in Park. The brake lights work, so the brake switch is fine, but the
> transmission absolutely won't budge from park. Any ideas?
>
>
you cant move the selector?

Stephan Mynarkiewicz

"T.W. Day" <twday@usa.com> wrote in message
news:zYfwf.437000$zb5.2994@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
>I have a 1998 Ford Escort Wagon with an auto transmission. Today, I
>attempted to drive the thing and discovered that the transmission is locked
>in Park. The brake lights work, so the brake switch is fine, but the
>transmission absolutely won't budge from park. Any ideas?

Interlock switch, perhaps?