Car is stuck in drive

2004 FORD ESCAPE
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MJ1013
Transmission problem 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic 104,00 miles

Pulled up to my house and my car would not shift out of drive, unfortunately my husband shut the car off with emergency brake on, now cannot start the car as it thinks it is in drive, reads drive, yet shifter is stuck in park position. Why would this be? Is there any way to start the car while in drive so I do not have to pay for a tow?
Jun 20, 2010 at 8:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,193 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

This is a common problem because the shift cable lockup and needs to be replaced. Here are guides to help you get the job done.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
Jul 2, 2010 at 1:50 PM
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MJ1013
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Yep that was the problem I had to get the cable from ford but installed it myself not to bad, thanks for your help I love this site.
Jul 7, 2010 at 1:00 PM
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