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Thread: Shifter stuck in park

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    St. Albans, WV
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    Shifter stuck in park

    For whatever reason my 03 has been getting stuck in park. Two times so far the car was pulled into a convenience store and when I came out to leave, the car started just fine but I could not move the shifter at all. Can’t even push in the release button. After a few minutes of trying, finally the car shifts right into gear and off I go. I wonder what’s going on with this?

    Thanks for any help

  2. #2
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    Are your brake lights/switch working?
    If the brake light switch goes bad the safety interlock thinks that you don't have your foot on the brake and keeps the shifter locked in PARK.
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  3. #3
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    And if it happens and doesn't correct itself, turn the key to the 1/2 way on position and put it in neutral then start the car. Just don't put it in park until you get to your destination.
    Thanks to Darrin @ BC Automotive:
    $1800 and it was worse than when he started!

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  4. #4
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    I’ll check my brake lights. Thanks guys

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by KIRK343 View Post
    I’ll check my brake lights. Thanks guys
    I've seen the connector at the brake light switch melt.
    Last edited by fastblackmerc; 04-25-2018 at 04:50 AM.
    “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.”
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by fastblackmerc View Post
    I seen the connector at the brake light switch melt.


    Yup happened to me


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Walsh View Post
    Are your brake lights/switch working?
    If the brake light switch goes bad the safety interlock thinks that you don't have your foot on the brake and keeps the shifter locked in PARK.
    +1
    Quote Originally Posted by FordNut View Post
    And if it happens and doesn't correct itself, turn the key to the 1/2 way on position and put it in neutral then start the car. Just don't put it in park until you get to your destination.
    +1
    Quote Originally Posted by fastblackmerc View Post
    I seen the connector at the brake light switch melt.
    Same here, not mine though. haha

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  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Sometimes the switch becomes "mis-aligned" and thus the sensor doesn't get fully "engaged".

    I had to replace mine.


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  9. #9
    Join Date
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    That switch is like the one thing that my clutch pedal set up royally screwed me from gaining access to. Probably a two hour job on a good day.. Plus slight crunching sounds as I maneuver it into place..


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