Why does a gear shift on a 1997 ford expedition get stuck in park?

Answer 1

Your brake pedal has a switch or solenoid which make sure you step on the brakes before shifting. Check the contacts on that unit, it is connected with your brake pedal with something like a spring. I had a similar problem on my 1997 Expedition. The brake lights did not work and the gearshift lever would not come out of park when I stepped on the brake. In a pinch, you can turn the key to the on position, place the shift lever in neutral, and then start your engine. Back to the problem... In my case, one wire came loose from the connector that plugs into the brake light switch. This switch is located near the upper end of the brake pedal, where it's attached to the pedal pin and to the power brake booster pushrod. I was able to solder the loose wire back onto the terminal on the connector. To do that I had to cut both wires, remove the connector, do the repair and reinstall the connector with crimped butt connectors. I also replaced the brake light switch while I was there. You have to remove the panel below your steering column for access, and you also have to be limber, as this switch is hard to reach. Good luck.