brakes won't let car in gear?

[bigpappy]

In an earlier thread, I stated I had a bad master cylinder. Is this why my car won't go into gear, because of the safety feature that makes you step on the brake before it goes into gear? (I've got an ATX) Or is this a seperate problem? Any one got any ideas? I know it's not safe to drive without the master cylinder, but I should still have some front brakes left, and all I'm trying to do is get to the shop.

Thanks.

 

[steevil]

separate problem. SOunds like you have a bad brake-light switch.

Move it around a bit and see if you have brake lights. You can depress the plunger by hand to get the car started.

 

[91 SHOplus]

Right. It's actually called a BOO switch, Brake On/Off. If that's bad, you'll struggle to get it out of P. You'll also not have brake lights.

 

[bigpappy]

Thanks, guys.

It was a seperate problem. I have a problem with my ignition. I can turn the key on, then put it in neutral, then start it. But the weird thing is, it's like my master cylinder was bypassed or something, as my brakes are acting like they were before I had the problem. Is this normal? Or, could something else have caused my free brake pedal? I'm thinking it's just the cars way of adapting, so I'll probably get the cylinder replaced, and then the brake switch.

Thanks again.