There should be a schematic of the fuseboard printed on a sticker (usually found stuck on the inside of the fusebox flap or cover). Sometimes it is embossed there in the plastic of the flap / cover instead. The fuse you are looking for should be indicated by an image of a bulb next to that of an exclamation mark in a circle. Always be sure to replace any fuse with one of the same number or colour.
On your 1996 Ford Thunderbird : In the fuse panel under the dash on the drivers side : ( the 15 amp fuse marked STOP / HAZ is the fuse for all 3 brake lights ) * the high mount brake lamp and the stop lamps
Check the brake light fuse. This year Ford trucks have a safety mechanism that prevents shifting out of park without pushing the brake pedal. If a brake lamp or trailer wiring is damaged can it blow the fuse and it won't allow a shift from park.
The brake light fuse should be in the fuse box under the hood and behind the battery. The fuse location diagram should be on the inside of the fuse box lid, and the fuse will probably be marked, 'stop lamp', 'ST LAMP', or something like.
Fuse, switch, wiring, ground circuit.
See sources and related links below for the brake lamp and light bulb list information.
Try the brake lamp fuse
if it isn't a fuse or lamp problem, check the brake lamp switch on the brake pedal, if you unplug the switch, and jumper the connection, and you have brake lamps, replace the switch...
in the fuse panel unde the dash look for st lmp(stop lamp)
Could be one of two things: 1. Check your tail light fuse and your brake switch fuse; 2. If your fuses are good it's probably your brake lamp switch located behind your brake pedal.
Which brake lamp are you needing to change? Brake/turn signal lamp.
unplug the neon light and see if that stops it
look under the hood you will see a relay box on the drivers side the brake light fuse is in there i believe.good luck..............