Shift Lock System

My 98 SE has a problem when its cold outside shifting out of park. When it is warmer outside it is not as bad, but still a little hard. I have replaced the BOO switch to no avail and the fuse is in good shape. I disabled the shift lock system as prescribed in the Haynes manual but it only worked for the time the car was started. Once I shut it off it went back to normal. Are there any other hints out there that might correct this problem? I really don't want to take this car into the shop for something easy. I also looked inside the console when working the gear shift. Everything seemed to be OK. The metal shift plunger is working fine until it hits the red bellcrank. I am assuming that is the shift lock system getting the electrical signal somehow. Once I get the shifter to work, and do not take my foot off the brake pedal everything works as smooth as butter. I let off the brake and reapply it it is a little difficult to release again. Any help would be great.

There is also a switch of some sort just above the brake switch. It is white in color and my Haynes doesn't tell me what it is. It also attaches to the brake pedal. What is this thing? Thanks for your replies.

There is also a switch of some sort just above the brake switch. It is white in color and my Haynes doesn't tell me what it is. It also attaches to the brake pedal. What is this thing? Thanks for your replies.

If you have cruise control-- I think that is the cruise disconnect switch so your cruise control shuts off when you hit the brake pedal.

Thanks for the info. I just found it in my manual finally. It doesn't tell me a whole lot though. I just wish I could get this problem fixed with the shift lock out. The cruise control works fine. Even disconnects as it should when hitting the brake pedal. I am at a loss now.

Check the connections to the BOO switch. You may have a faulty plug.

Thanks for the info. I just found it in my manual finally. It doesn't tell me a whole lot though. I just wish I could get this problem fixed with the shift lock out. The cruise control works fine. Even disconnects as it should when hitting the brake pedal. I am at a loss now.

Been thinking about that-I have a very vague memory of someone having a brake light out that caused a shift lock problem. Maybe its the dementia--oh well, humor an old man and check your brake lights.
Not familiar with the floor shift but just had a ford column out yesterday. Did you search this forum for other posts with shift lock probs? Hopefully someone will jump in with the answer. Good luck, Alex

I did check the connector ass well. It is great shape with all connections in tact. Maybe I should attempt reading them out. What should the voltage be and exactly how should I read it? Pin to pin or ground to pin?

I guess I will have to check the brake lights just to amuse myself and the old guy (lol) thanks for the input!

Well thanks Alex! I didn't get my problem fixed but I DID HAVE A BRAKE LIGHT OUT. Any other ideas out there. The connection is good. Still possibly looking at voltage but I don't know what actually I would read. Thanks for the input.

Did you ever find out the problem with the shifter button? I have the same problem, it only happens when it is really cold out. I have sprayed WD40 into the shifter and it didn't seem to help

Now that it is getting cold again, the problem is back - pressing the button on the shifter is very difficult. Once I am able to press it once, it is fine until the next time it is cold-started. Anybody have an idea what is causing this?

Now that it is getting cold again, the problem is back - pressing the button on the shifter is very difficult. Once I am able to press it once, it is fine until the next time it is cold-started. Anybody have an idea what is causing this?

I have that problem too and snow is flyin here in canada... any suggestions? Please PM me the wife needs the car to take the grandbaby to school. Thanks for your time.