Why might your 1997 Ford Mustang not be able to shift out of park?

Answer 1

Having the same problem with my 98 Mustang. Found the following answer on another site about 1990 Taurus. Might help: There is a solenoid in the shifter mechanism which prevents the shifter from being moved out of park until it is energized. The brake pedal switch closes when the pedal is depressed energizing the solenoid.

With the ignition key in the run position, but without starting the engine, depress the brake pedal and listen for the click of the solenoid energizing. It is not very loud, so turn off the radio and blower. Also have someone tell you if the brake lights illuminate.

If you hear the click, but cannot move the shifter, the solenoid may be out of adjustment or the lock out pin is jammed. The shift mechanism will have to be disassembled to determine the cause.

If the click is not heard, but the brake lights illuminate, then the solenoid or the wiring to it is faulty. First have the wiring at the solenoid checked for voltage. If there is 12 volts at the solenoid, and the connector is intact, tight and free of corrosion, then the solenoid should be replaced. If there is no voltage at the solenoid, then trace the wiring back until the voltage discontinuity is found.

If the click is not heard and the brake lights do not illuminate, the brake pedal switch is faulty or out of adjustment. The switch is mounted to the brake pedal bracketry under the instrument panel. Examine the switch and try to actuate it manually. If this illuminates the brake lights, then adjust the position of the switch so that the brake pedal arm contacts it and closes the switch when the brake pedal is depressed.

If manually actuating the switch does not cause the brake lights to illuminate, examine the wiring and connectors to the switch for breaks and loose connections. If the wiring is intact, replace the switch.

There is a manual override for when the vehicle requires towing and the battery is dead. Consult your owners manual for this procedure.

Please let us know if this advice helps you solve your vehicle problems and if you have additional questions and observations. Also let us know what the final resolution is so that we may help others with similar problems.