2003 Mercury Marquis Shifting into Gear

DUANEM13

MEMBER
2003 MERCURY MARQUIS
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

Please read the entire two part question. The Windshield Wipers, in the delay wipe and in low speed mode, didn't work, but the high speed setting dose. So, I checked all the fuses for a blown one. I didn't find any under the dash blown, so I checked the ones under the hood. I still didn't find any blower fuses. Then a bit later, when I tried to drive the car, the column gear shift would not allow me to shift out of park. I tried several times, making sure I had my foot on the brake peddle, but it stayed locked in the park position. Any thoughts on why the fuse checking would or could cause the gear shift problem?

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 AT 4:11 PM

7 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Check to see if the brake lights are working.For some reason the Lighting Control Module is hooked into the wiper motor.The brake switch is what controls the solenoid for the shift-lock.I have included the wiring diagram for the wipers so that you can use a test light to see if the motor is getting power from the switch in the different positions

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Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 AT 8:16 AM

DUANEM13

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4 POSTS

Hi,
I think we are on the right track. But, the Wiring Diagram you sent was too small and blurred to read. Could you send me a larger copy of the Wiring Diagram that is readable? Also, where is the Light Control Module located? I have the Haynes Repair Manual, for this car, but it doesn't list this problem at all, or give any reference to a Light Control Module or its location.

Thank you

Duane

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Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 AT 2:47 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
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I will send you the diagram and another for the shift-lock system, which isnt tied into the ligthing module, so you may have misinstalled a fuse or something for it to not come out of park. Both are on their way as well as the diagram showing the location of the module

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Friday, June 4th, 2010 AT 7:50 AM

DUANEM13

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4 POSTS

The diagram showing where the Light Module is, is that looking with the dash panel assembly removed or under the hood looking at the firewall with the engine, power breaks cylinder assembly, windshield wiper assembly, and plastic cowling removed? It appears to be looking from under the hood, but all that wiring just isn't there. That is why I'm asking.

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Monday, June 7th, 2010 AT 7:30 PM

2CARPRO JACK

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That view is as if the firewall was gone and you were looking at the back of the dash from the engine compartment. Looks like the module is under the center of the dash on the interor. Do the brake lights work?

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Monday, June 7th, 2010 AT 10:42 PM

DUANEM13

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4 POSTS

No, the Brake Lights don't work. I was afraid that you were going to say something like that. I use to be able to get into tight places, like under the dash. But now I am just getting to old to get under there any more. Is there any other way to get that Shift Lock Cylinder to release so we can at least move the car? It is in a bad place at the moment.

Thank you

Duane Meador

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Monday, June 7th, 2010 AT 11:50 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
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You arent going to like its location.... under the dash on top of the column.You can disconnect the shift cable under the dash to get it in neutral to move the car if need be.If on a hill, be sure to set e-brake and chock the wheel to prevent the car from rolling when you move the shift cable after unhooking it.Use you test light to see if the brake light switch is working, should have power at the light green/red wire. then when brake pedal depressed it should have power at the light green wire.Then power goes through fuse 19 (15 amp) to the solenoid.Also check fuse 16 it powers up the system as well