Can't depress shifter **** to get out of park

[jbruno72]

I have a 97 ATX. When the car is cold (in the morning usually), I have a hard time depressing the shift **** and getting the car into gear. After a few minutes, I'm able to do it. Like wise when I leave work, I have a similiar problem, just not as bad as in the morning. The problem is very consistent. Any ideas as to what is wrong? Thank you.

 

[projectSHO89]

There is an interlock solenoid that releases when the brake is depressed and then allows the shifter **** to moved out of PARK. It sounds like yours is sticking.

I had this problem on an old beater Tempo I had awhile back. Ended up disassembling, cleaning, and re-lubing the solenoid to fix it.

Somewhere around here I've seen the instructions on how to put the car into NEUTRAL before starting the car, then you can shift into drive or reverse as needed. One of the ATX guys or gals will probably chime in or you might find it by scrolling back through previous posts or perhaps the search feature might help. Sorry, don't remember what a good search keyword would be.

Steve

 

[jcostantino]

Check the BOO (Brake On Off) switch. My 95 atx did the same thing and it ended up being a broken wire on the switch. Made me 2 hours late to work before I figured it out. Someone on the Shotimes list mentioned it to me.

The BOO switch is (at least on the 95, probably the 97) directly attached to the brake peddal. It has a funky connector and I just disassembled the plastic clip and put female spade connectors on the wires and plugged them in to the pins on the other side.

Jeff

 

[remy_zero]

I had the same problem on my mom's 93 ATX. I thought it was the shifter assembly itself but it was the brake relay switch. BTW, my brake lights didn't work either. Are yours?
What you need to do to get into gear is keep stepping on the brake pedal until it releases. Ford repaired it for us. It was a $30 part.
Good luck,
Rem

 

[jbruno72]

Thanks for the input

My brake lights are still working but I still have to wait a minute or two to get my car from PARK to DRIVE. As mentioned before, it is very consistent in that it takes about the same amount of time each morning before I can shift. If anyone could tell me where the fuse/solenoid is located and how to check it, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

[SHOZ123]

On my '97 the nut that holds the shaft from the shifter to the transmissiom range sensor switch had fallen off. Check to be sure this is on and secure. It is mounted on top of the tranny below the MAF and to the rear a bit. It is fan shaped with a rod attched to it.

It may also be a dirty plunger on the shifter. When my car is really hot inside the plunger will go in and stick in.