Possible BOO Switch, and Broke ATX shifter!

[19SHO93]

Hey all, I'm new to the boards but I ran into a problem that I'm having problems fixing so I thought I would ask my questions here. After searching I believe I have a BOO switch problem. My brake lights don't work and my shifter is stuck in park. I tried starting the car in neutral but I'm having a heck of a time getting it there, even after trying to put the ignition in between off and run. Still no luck with that. I also let my buddy (300lb football player) try jamming the shifter from park (before i researched), and he ended up breaking the button on the shifter. Is there any way that I could still drive the car by just pushing the button back in or do I need to replace the entire shifter? I think these are my problems, and my cruise control still works so I don't think thats the problem with the brake fluid/fuse deal.

 

[St Louis SHO]

Check the fuses. If the brake lights do not come on, the shift interlock will not release. Seen plenty of these (fords) get towed in for a blown fuse. If you turn your key one click foward (not acc) you can shift into neutral and start the car Hope this helps.

James

 

[hawkeye18]

sounds like a BOO switch to me. I had a BOO switch go bad on me at an intersection once. Man, you shoulda seen the looks on the faces of those behind me! Not fun. Turned out one of the wires had come loose from its pin. The shifter assembly can be replaced. Pull the clip out on the shifter at the part where it faces the radio.. it's small but if you look for it you'll see it. Then, take the O/D button out with some needlenose. Pull the shifter **** up... carefully, don't break the O/D wire. Unclip the O/D wire below the shifter assembly and voila.

 

[19SHO93]

thanks for the help guys. i just thought i couldn't shift at all, even with the ignition one click forward because the shifter button is broken. i'll try again this morning and find out for sure.

 

[Hank F.]

Please be careful with the shifter. I will almost guarantee it's not the shifter's fault. The brake light switch at the pedal on my car did the same thing. I had to tie the wires in a knot to get connection juice to get the car to run to Carquest. After the new switch, you'll find smooth going again. I did everything else first- check fuses, bulbs etc., before someone here set me straight. I don't remember exactly what is going on, but w/o brake lights, the car doesn't want to release the trans to drive. Thank God for wireless, or I'd have had my car towed before fixing it for $3.

 

[19SHO93]

ya i picked up a BOO switch today and because it's snowing like crazy out and i live in an apartment with NO garage, i tried swapping the switch out as quick as possible...and now i got myself into more trouble haha. i don't remember how the white plastic piece and black plastic piece go. i guess i'll take my time and see if i can get it setup right.