When my 1995 would not shift out of park I called a local dealer and ask what possible causes could be (they were not so pleased with giving free advice) the first suggestion was to check the fuse for the break lights. It was blown, I relpaced it and "magically" the issue was fixed. If your car still shifts I would check the bulbs first.
replace your switch, located under the brake pedal.
Brake fluid
To indicate a problem with the brake system.
Brake light switch ?
On a 1995 Ford Escort : The brake fluid reservoir is also the clutch fluid reservoir
According to the Owner Guide , Motorcraft High Performance DOT 3 brake fluid
when you turn the car on, usually the lights on the dash show up "ABS"
All you have to do is put it in gear and give it gas until it brakes loose. That's what i had to do with my 98 escort.
Master cylinder reservoir is located on the firewall driver's side
The brake lights are a separate circuit from the tail lights. If the bulbs and fuse checks okay, I would suspect the brake light switch is at fault.
check the fuses.
From inside the luggage compartment.