1995 Ford Taurus Car starts but having issues getting to shifting out of park

1995 FORD TAURUS
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TFINNEY2
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Steering problem
1995 Ford Taurus Front Wheel Drive Automatic 197000 miles

My car starts just fine, but when I try to move the gear shift (it is located behind the steering wheel and the steering wheel tilts if that matters), nothing will happen until I rotate the steering wheel to a certain spot. Only at that point will ithe gear shift move out of park so I can shift it into reverse or drive. It's annoying and happened rather sudden.
Sep 9, 2010 at 1:48 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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This is going to sound like a stupid question, but are the brake lights working when this happens?
Sep 10, 2010 at 7:20 AM
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TFINNEY2
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Apparently they haven't been, my blinkers work but not my brake lights. I had no idea until today. This is getting frustrating.
Oct 20, 2010 at 3:56 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
That is the problem. The brake light switch must be bad or out of adjustment. You see, the brake light switch sends power to the park lock solenoid which allows you to shift from park only when the brake is on. If the switch doesn't send the power, it stays locked. I'm surprised you are able to get it out at all.

Check that and let me know what you find. It is located at the top of the brake pedal under the dash.

Joe
Oct 20, 2010 at 10:41 PM
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