stuck in park

[calbullet]

having a problem shifting out of park. step on brake, pull shifter to go into drive, sometimes it just won't go in. kind of like i'am not stepping on the brake, to release it. just stuck in park, if I work it a little, it will release and go in. something I can look at, or is it a dealer fix??

[imsolidstate]

There's a little solenoid in the steering column that pulls a pin out of the gear selector mechanism when you put your foot on the brake in park. If it gets dirty, it won't release. I fixed the same problem on my wife's explorer by taking off the steering column covers and blasting the solenoid with contact cleaner and then a tiny amount of oil.

[cruiserheads]

Replace your brake switch. It happened to mine. Cost was about $15 at the dealer. Common problem I think.

[calbullet]

imsolidstate, checked the solenoid and blew it out with air, still did it once,

cruiserheads, ordered a new switch this afternoon, the one on the pedal was loose, but I will check it with new one tomorrow.

thanks for the info guys

[ikidd49]

Originally Posted by cruiserheads

Replace your brake switch. It happened to mine. Cost was about $15 at the dealer. Common problem I think.

Twice now on my 04 and I think I'll order a spare switch for the next time...
Groveite

[blickcd]

I'm having a similar problem in that the solenoid on the gear selector doesn't release every time I put my foot on the brake. Only happens about 2 out of 10 times and so far I've always been able to get the solenoid to eventually release.

I checked out what I assume is the brake light switch, a flat black plastic vertical rectangle mounted about halfway up the brake pedal arm, with a wiring harness plugged in at the bottom. Mine is a little loose and you can wiggle it around a bit, which may be the trouble. I don't see any screws or other fasteners that hold it on.

How can I tighten it up? Better yet, how can I remove it? For $15 it would be an easy fix.

Thanks,
Christopher

[blickcd]

Found a video on youtube that shows how to replace the switch. For those interested just do a search for Ford brake light switch. I think the job was done on an explorer but it looks similar enough to mine.

Christopher