@#$%!! My shifter is stuck!

[Petrograde]

I just got in my car, I started engine with the usual VROOM!,.. but my shifter won't move! I can't even push in the button!

any ideas?:help:

[Agent M79]

Mmm. Brake interlock Malfunction?

[UncleLar]

I don't know if this is the same with Marauders as it is with the 2003 Expedition,but if the brake light switch goes bad or possibly the brake light bulbs or brake light fuse burns out the vehicle will not shift out of park. I'm not certain it's the same with the Marauder,but it wouldn't hurt to check.

[mtnh]

Try shifting with the key out of the locked/remove position, like off, or in the on position, but with the engine off. If it moves then, it's in the interlock circuit. If it moves with the engine off and if you really ned to use the car for an emergency, start the car in neutral and drive it, since it will enter any gear once it is out of park.

Good luck.

Mike

[Petrograde]

Thanks for the posts.. here's what I've tried:

- checked fuses, under dash and under hood. They're all good.

- Tried shifting with the key off : nope. Acc: nope . and while running: nope

I did have the rear lights out today for a second coat of Nite Shades, but I looked at the bulbs, ... they looked ok to me.

Thanks for the responses so far, but no dice yet.

[Marauderman]

Turnoff --Turn -off-- Problem should go away--lets see.

[Marauderman]

darn keys--1st off then on with wait inbetween....darn keys...

[Petrograde]

ok,.. I'll go try it BRB

[Petrograde]

nope :( I did it like you said Marauderman. the shift button is still locked.

[Zack]

Take the gauge cluster out, and pull up the console. Put a test light on the wire that unlocks the shift button. If it doesnt light up or show 12 volts when the brake is depressed, something is bad. to 'rig' it, hook 12 volts up to that wire and it should work

[martyo]

Check the brake lights. Do they light when you press the brake? If not, it may be the swicth that controls the lights and the interlock.

[Petrograde]

Thanks Marty! I'll go check.

[Petrograde]

Yup! Sure as shiesse! :lol: no brake lights. so a faulty lock-out switch is to blame?

[martyo]

Originally posted by Petrograde
Yup! Sure as shiesse! :lol: no brake lights. so a faulty lock-out switch is to blame?

Yepppers or a lose wire. Check all of your connections at the brake lights if you had them out. Let me know how you make out. If the switch needs to be replaced, it is an easy fix. DO NOT force the shifter or you can cause damage!!

[Petrograde]

Well,.. I pulled the lights back out and checked the bulbs and wiring.(that I could see) they looked OK.

Marty,.... THANKS! I'm a fair wrench-turner, but, I'm electrically retarded! :lol:

I know the switch is prob'ly an easy fix, like a couple screws holding it and a connector. But, I think I'll good 'ol John Eagle L/M handle that.

Thanks to everyone that has posted!! You guys rock!:up:

Tom

[nslatin]

This is from the owners manual. I have had the same problem on a TC at the curb at the airport.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the key.
2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake pedal and shift to N (Neutral). When the key is in the ignition OFF position, the automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
3. Start the vehicle. If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside emergencies chapter.

[martyo]

Tom: Be sure to let us know what the problem was for our collective databanks!

[Petrograde]

Thanks nslatin! It worked I can shift the car, but I have no brake lights. :rolleyes:

I checked the bulbs and fuses twice. they look good. WTF?

[Petrograde]

Tom: Be sure to let us know what the problem was for our collective databanks!

of course Marty. which brings me to this...

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5095

[martyo]

Originally posted by Petrograde
of course Marty. which brings me to this...

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5095

I am confused....

[nhinterceptor]

I had a '02 Grand Marquis LS HPP that lost the brakelights, the dealer traced it down to a nicked wire harness in the trunk. They said it wasn't the first time they saw it either. Might be the root of your problem ???

- Dan

[Petrograde]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Petrograde
of course Marty. which brings me to this...

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/foru...=&threadid=5095
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am confused....

Marty you said to let everyone know what the problem was for the "databanks" In that thread I proposed creating just that.

I've got some ideas. lemme see what my very limited web page skills can produce. :lol:

Now,.. I found the problem!! It was soooo freakin' simple. It was the brake light fuse! I looked at the damn thing twice last night! There's a lesson here ladies and germs,... don't drink and troubleshoot! :lol:

Thanks for everyone's help!

Tom

[UncleLar]

Now,what made the fuse blow? Did you short anything out working on your tail lights?

[Petrograde]

Good question Uncle Lar...
I don't know. The lens covers were off for about 2 hours. I tucked the dangling lights down behind the bumper so they wouldn't be swinging in the breeze.

Maybe there was some contact between the metal bulb housing and something else? :confused: I dunno.

[nslatin]

Your very welcome.

[jgc61sr2002]

nslatin - Thanks for the info. I guess we should read our owners manual again.:up: