2001 Ford Taurus Won't Shift Out of Park

2001 FORD TAURUS
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JOY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My car is stuck at the mall right now, When I got out of the car it was fine. When I returned and started the car it started but would not shift to reverse or any other (r,n,d,d2) I don't know what to do at this point. Only option is having it towed to the dealership, it has 145,000 miles and I am a women who simply gets in the car and drive.
Please help not working with alot of money right now in college!
Apr 1, 2006 at 10:24 AM
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PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
You obviously have a female ford. It does not want to leave the mall. :lol:

Pardon my teasing. :P

There is an electrical device that keeps the car from shifting into gear unless the brake pedal is applied. the power for this device is tied in with the brake lights thru a switch by the brake pedal. First check if your brake lights come on. If not that is why the shifter won't move from park.

Check the fuse for the brake lights first. Should be to the left of the steering wheeel under the dash. The cover will have a diagram of what fuse is what. Could get lucky and that will be it. If not check the operation of the brake switch and the power going to and from it.

Good luck and let us know. :)
Apr 1, 2006 at 11:10 AM
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Suggested Repair

Check whether the brake lights come on when the pedal is pressed. If they do not, inspect the brake light fuse under the dash to the left of the steering wheel using the fuse-panel diagram. If the fuse is good, test the brake pedal switch and power to and from it, since the shift interlock is powered through that brake-light circuit.

Conversation Summary

A 2001 Ford Taurus with about 145,000 miles starts but will not shift out of park into reverse or any drive position. The expert explained that an electrical shift interlock prevents shifting unless the brake pedal is applied, and that its power is tied to the brake lights through the brake pedal switch. Recommended checks are the brake lights, the brake light fuse, and then the brake switch and its power supply.

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