2002 Ford Escort

If it is not shifting out of park, it may be the safety mechanism associated with the brake. The switch disengages and releases the shifter when you place your foot on the brake while the car is in park. You can override this mechanism at the shifter. There should be a small round access plug to the right of the shifter, if you pull that plug and gently place a pencil (or some other firm object that fits through the opening) and press down, it should release the shifter so that you can put it in gear. Mine did this at a gas pump, and I learned about this after I had already taken off all the panels around the shifter. I hope this helps you.