1999 Ford Escort Car won't get out of park

ABRACY

MEMBER
1999 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

This problem just started today. I went outside, started the car and let it warm up (freezing temps where I am). When I put my foot on the brake to put it into drive, it would not move. It felt as if something was preventing the squeeze button from releasing into gear. I looked under the hood and noticed that there is an electrical module connected to the linkage. Could this be the problem?

Earlier I had the same problem but, I pulled the emergency brake and released it and I was able to put the car into drive. However, this did not work the second time.

Please advise.

Thanks,

Antoine Bracy

2 Replies

440DAVIDL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

There is a small solinoid under the console that pulls a pin to enable you to shift out of park. It is activated when you step on the brake pedal. It tends to get sticky from pop and coffee spills that leak down on it and freezes in colder temps. Sometimes it will move if you keep touching and releasing the brake while gently wiggling the shift lever and the button. If you need to clean it you need to take the plastic cover off from under the parking brake and then from the console. Then you can get in there and clean it out and spray it down w/ WD-40.