If your Subaru Outback won't shift from park and the brake pedal feels stuck down, it could be due to a malfunctioning brake light switch, which prevents the vehicle from shifting out of park for safety reasons. Additionally, a dead battery or issues with the shift interlock system could be contributing factors. It's advisable to check the brake lights; if they aren't functioning, replacing the brake light switch may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, consulting a mechanic is recommended for further diagnosis.
Be sure to apply the brake before trying to shift out of park. If you apply the brake and the car still won't shift out of park, do not try to force it. The problem could be a failure of the mechanism that releases the shifter.
Your clutch cable snapped. It should be an easy fix.
Check the brake light fuse.
check your brake light fuse
Set the parking brake before you put the shift in park when parking.Take shift out of park before releasing the parking brake when driving.
First a question. Were you stepping on the brake when you tried to shift it out of park?
To shut off the flashers on your 1996 Subaru Outback, locate the hazard light switch, which is usually found on the dashboard near the center console. Press the switch again to turn off the flashers. If they do not turn off, check the vehicle's manual for troubleshooting steps or ensure that the switch is not stuck.
brake/shift interlock switch needs replacing
Fix your brake lights and this problem will go away. Didn't know the brake lights were out did you? May be a fuse or the switch.
If pressing the brake pedal does not allow a 2002 VW Beetle to shift there a problem with the brake switch. The switch acts as a safety when shifting a vehicle and if it malfunctions the transmission will not be able to shift out of park.
If your 2002 Mercury Marquis is stuck in park, it may be due to a malfunctioning brake shift interlock system. This mechanism prevents the gear shift from moving out of park unless the brake pedal is pressed. Check if the brake lights are functioning; if not, it could indicate a blown fuse or a faulty brake switch. If the issue persists, consider consulting a mechanic for further diagnosis.
There are several possible answers to this problem. First, check to see if you have brake lights. If not, check the fuse that supplies power to the brake lights. (my 2001 outback is #16 20amp located behind the coin drawer in the dash). If it is blown, replace the fuse and push on the brake pedal. If it blows again, you have a short in the system. Most common fix is to replace all the brake lights. Sometimes they short out the system, blow the fuse and that will keep the car from shifting out of park. If the brake lights do not keep the fuse from blowing, it could be the brake solenoid located at the top of the brake pedal, or it could be the shift lock solenoid located to the right of the shifter under the cover. The easiest way to check these items is to unplug the wiring harness one at a time and then replace the fuse and see if it blows when you press on the brake. My fix was the shift lock solenoid. It isn't super hard to replace and can be found online or at a local wrecking yard. I have a '94 Subaru Impeza and I took all the plastic parts out from around the shifter and on the right side is the locking pin that rises and falls when you pushed the button. This tends to get dirty and sticks. Clean as much as possible and spray WD-40 or silicone. It will take care of the problem. I also found that if you have a weak battery or bad battery connection this can also cause the same issue.