1998 Ford Taurus will not shift out ofpark

BLSTEVENS

MEMBER
1998 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,800 MILES

My Taurus has 130,800 miles on it. I am having a problem with the shifting. When I start the engin and ste on the brake pedel, it willnot shift out of park. Can you help? Thank you.

Saturday, November 1st, 2008 AT 6:08 AM

3 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

A temporary solution to your problem is to turn key forward one click then shift transmission into neutral and then start vehicle to drive. This will over ride the shift interlock. Most likely your problem will rest in the brake light circuit. If your brake lights dont work then I think your brake light switch is bad causing the shift not to unlock and also no brake lights. **I find on this model that the wire breaks going to the brake light switch under the dash. Hope this helps

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Saturday, November 1st, 2008 AT 7:03 AM

ROSWELL4US

MEMBER
1 POST

I had the same problem and was told everything from needing a new tranny to checking the fuses.

I investigated on my own and solved the problem last year.

Look around the brake pedal stem for a small black plastic box - mine was uo the stem about 3 inches from the pedal. This is for your transmission interlock. Make sure the wires going into the plastic box are secure.
If this connection is not made you won't be able to get it out of park.

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Monday, November 17th, 2008 AT 10:44 PM

MASTERTECHTIM