It could be mechanical or it could be electrical. Sometimes if you park on a steep incline or park hard up on a curb, the shift will be difficult to come out of park but it should with a little extra pull on the lever. Also, check the fuses. many vehicles today must have the brake pedal applied to release the shift lever from park. If the fuse is blown that protects that circuit, the shift lever will not move.
park safety switch on the back of the brake pedal is bad or disconnected
if it is an auto check the wiring around the gearshift as this may be telling the car that it is not in park!!
There is a lock release button on the gearshift, hold it when changing gears
Did you check operation of stop lights? They are wired into same circuit--if fuse blown neither will work
You can view the 2000 Ford Focus owners manual online at : www . motorcraft service . com ( no spaces ) Click on Owner Guides ( page 134 explains what to do with the brake / shift interlock if your gearshift lever is stuck in Park with the brake pedal depressed )
Your Shifter has a safety feature that will only allow you to put your car in gear if you step on the brake. If you blew the fuse it wont let you move the shifter so change the fuse in the fuse box.
You must have the key inserted and in the "on" position to move the gearshift. Check this first!!! Might be a bad clutch cable as well.
Neutral (N) or Park (P).
In the event the Audi A3 is stuck in park:
Replace the Gear Position Sensor on the transmission. Cost is approximately $350. There is a sensor on the brake that will prevent the gearshift from moving out of park until the brake is pressed down. Before you replace some $350 item in the transmission, make sure it isn't this sensor that is causing the issue.
With the key stuck in the accessory position the steering wheel is locked and the gearshift is locked in the park position. Perhaps you should consider having a locksmith change the key cylinder where it is, or else have it towed to the garage.
my Pontiac keeps getting stuck in park