OT-2003 Ford Explorer stuck in park

Keith Molden · Jan 9, 2015

It seems like I read somewhere that a blown fuse was the cause of a Ford Explorer being suddenly stuck in Park. I have an opportunity to buy one in this condition, but just wanted to know if anyone has heard this & what fuse is it. Seems to me like it's the stop light fuse, but I'm not sure enlighten me please. Keith

Paul Shuler · Jan 9, 2015

My parents had a 99 crown vic that did that when a tail light bulb went out. A nice tow truck driver saved them a tow once by knowing that. There was something you could do with the brake pedal I think that would over ride that till the bulb could be replaced.

RayP(MI) · Jan 9, 2015

Most vehicles have a lockout to prevent putting in gear without applying brake. Failure in brake light circuit would be a good candidate in a failure to shift situation. Check owner's manual for location of fuse.

jimg.allentown · Jan 9, 2015

A number of things can cause the shifter to stick in park. The most common thing is the brake light circuit not working.
Here is how it works:
When the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position, it energizes a solenoid that locks the shifter in PARK. As soon as the control module sees the brake light circuit activated by pressing the brake, the solenoid releases.
To bypass this "feature," turn the ignition switch to the first position - unlocked but still OFF. The shifter will then be able to be moved from the PARK position to NEUTRAL to start the engine.
HOWEVER, if the solenoid sticks MECHANICALLY, it may have to be removed to release the shifter.
Personally, I don't like the interlock setup, but it is still probably a good idea. The idea is to force you to hold the brake to shift out of PARK.

State of Jefferson · Jan 9, 2015

I dunno about Explorers, but my F-350 did that a couple years ago. Out in the boonies and my trailer wiring blew the brake fuse. Was able to get it goin by turning the key "ON" moving the shifter to neutral, then starting it. It was the fuse at the very top of the panel, and I'd missed it when I was checking them.

Ben

Gambles · Jan 9, 2015

My Aerostar had something like that happen years ago. I believe the tail light fuse blew and I couldn't get it out of park. It was an emergency, so I crawled underneath, unhooked the cable shifter linkage and I manually put the tranny in drive.

Keith Molden · Jan 9, 2015

I went and bought it this afternoon. After checking it out, the shift cable was broken so it won't be difficult to repair. I told the guy what was wrong with it but he still wanted to sell it to me for what he was asking- $500.00. Motor starts and runs great. Tranny is good, he was sure we were going to have to have a roll back to bring it home, but crawled under and shifted it in drive while wife held the brake and she drove it home. Sometimes good things do happen. Thanks guys for all the help. Keith

504 · Jan 9, 2015

When you replace the cable, check for a missing or broken ground wire from the body to the frame/chassis. A bad ground can lead to the shifter cable being the ground, it really shortens the life of the cable.

T in NE · Jan 11, 2015

I'd find a way to put the solenoid somewhere else where it wouldn't confuse the computer and would be out of the way.

OT-2003 Ford Explorer stuck in park

Keith Molden

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Paul Shuler

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RayP(MI)

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jimg.allentown

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State of Jefferson

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Gambles

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Keith Molden

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504

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T in NE

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