We have just returned from a family camping trip and we towed a very small tent trailer for the first time(100 miles-total). When I went to restart and move the van a few minutes later It wouldn't shift out of park. Should I call my bank manager right away to arrange a $2,000 loan?

On the trip the van did not overheat, no indicator lights came on and the tranny fluid looks clean and new.

Nope, either the (BOO) Brake On-Off switch, it's wire, or fuse is bad.

First check is do the brake lights work? My guess is no. Next, check the Fuses (under dash, left of steering column), I'd bet the BRAKE fuse is blown, if so replace it and try again. If that checks ok, look at the brake pedal arm, up about 6" is a pin and switch. There must be TWO wores (green & green/red as I recall) connected to the switch. Usually one will break and fall off. You can simply add a piece of wire onto the broken one (twist and tape well) and stuff it back into the connector as a "patch" until you can get correct repair parts (Ford sells a "BOO switch pigtail" that will add enough wire for a proper repair.

Thank you, it was a fuse.

I wired the trailer lights myself by tieing into the brake lights without a kit or adapter. This lasted the weekend and just long enough to get us home. I guess I will have to put a little money into a correct trailer lighting hook up. Any tips in that area would also be appreciated.

Cheers


Nope, either the (BOO) Brake On-Off switch, it's wire, or fuse is bad.

First check is do the brake lights work? My guess is no. Next, check the Fuses (under dash, left of steering column), I'd bet the BRAKE fuse is blown, if so replace it and try again. If that checks ok, look at the brake pedal arm, up about 6" is a pin and switch. There must be TWO wores (green & green/red as I recall) connected to the switch. Usually one will break and fall off. You can simply add a piece of wire onto the broken one (twist and tape well) and stuff it back into the connector as a "patch" until you can get correct repair parts (Ford sells a "BOO switch pigtail" that will add enough wire for a proper repair.

I know for builds them with trailer lighting, but for a '95?, I don't know if you can get the factory parts.

You can check you local parts stores, most sell trailer light adapters that clip in between the factory connectors and don't ruin the wiring. HOPPY makes some, as does Lite Mate.

Here's a link: http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10101&productId=2731&TID=101&catalogId=10101&langId=-1

Just to give this a boost....
Just had this problem today....was a broken wire to the "Boo" switch....as ModMech mentioned....
Thanks ModMech.

I was able to shift by turning the ignition switch one position toward how you would start the car.....then I shifted into Neutral.....Started the car....and was fine....as long as I did not shift back into Park.

HOWEVER....as mentioned.......I HAD NO BRAKE LIGHTS.......so a fix is a MUST.
A temporary splice of wire for now.