Thanks to unpaid advise from a Ford service writer (South Bay Ford in Hawthorne, CA), I was able to fix this problem. It turns out that the brake light switch on the brake pedal also activates the relay to allow shifting into (or out of) park. If you have the same problem, first check to see if the brake lights are working. If not, just replace the switch and the problem should be solved.
Make sure your car is on.
Put your foot on the brake.
You can not adjust the shift cable if you have having problems to where your exploer will not go into park then you will need to buy a new shift cable that is the only way to fix the problem
It could be a bad brake light switch. You have to step on the brake to shift it out of park.
If your 2004 Ford Explorer won't shift out of park, it could be due to a faulty brake light switch, which prevents the shift interlock system from engaging. Another possibility is a problem with the gear shifter itself or the transmission linkage. Additionally, if the ignition system isn't functioning properly, it may also affect shifting. Checking these components should help identify the issue.
I have a 1997 awd v8 ford explorer. It gets stuck in park and is very hard to get unjammed.
Have Ford check out the Brake Shift Interlock. It is designed so the transmission cannot be shifted without the brake depressed. The Ford might be under warranty, so you could get it repaired free
Ford Explorer Column Shifter Lever Bracket Repair
On a 2002 Ford Explorer : On the headlight switch , select automatic , park lights, or low beam headlights and pull the headlight switch out towards you to turn the fog lights on ( push the switch in again to turn the fog lights off )
Check your brake light switch or fuse. You must apply the brake to get the vehicle out of park. The light switch or fuse may be faulty causing the shift interlock not to release.
because ford stink they can always have problems like that
Check brake lights--if they do not work shift interlock will not release