transmission locked cannot get it out park

2002 FORD ESCAPE
112,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BDB0528
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when I try to take it out of park with out the engine running it will not come out of park it is locked in park. I cannot start the engine. I just bought it for my grandson so we could do a project together for his first car. But I cannot get it out of park to get it home. help please!
Nov 29, 2016 at 10:46 AM
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WRENCHTECH
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That would be called the shift interlock feature. It operates on the same circuit as the brake lights so the first thing you want to do is to make sure the brake lights are working when this problem is present. If the brake lights are working, that proves the circuit is good up to that point, then you will have to get to the solenoid in the console. Disassemble as much as you have to to access the solenoid near the shifting mechanism. Use a twelve volt test light to test for power coming and going at the solenoid when the brake is applied. If power is arriving and switching and the solenoid is not triggering, the solenoid is bad and will have to be replaced.
Nov 29, 2016 at 2:39 PM