Shifter Hard To Move

I don't know the proper name but I am calling it a shifter.The thingie on the console to put the car in gear.Anyway,I have a 1996 Escort Wagon..70K miles automatic. Bought it with 47K. Suddenly the lever is hard to push to put it in gear. It is almost impossible to put it in normal drive or low. At the same time I noticed that the safety feature which means you must engage the brake before putting the car in gear no longer makes an audible click like it used to. Maybe it is not working.Could that be causing my problem? Or do I maybe need to lube the linkage. It worked perfectly until the last several days. I can put it in overdrive which is what I normally use so it is driveable. What should I check first?

Sounds to me like you are on the right track... investigate the safety swith at the brake.

Where exactly is the safety switch located? I do know that you can put the car in gear now without the brake on.

Sounds like your solenoid is shot, or you have a bad connection to it. How to get to it? I'm unsure at the moment, but will pull out my Haynes at lunch when I run home.

Sounds like your solenoid is shot, or you have a bad connection to it. How to get to it? I'm unsure at the moment, but will pull out my Haynes at lunch when I run home.



Get In, Sit Down, Shut Up, and Hold On ...


:grinyes: That is funny. I saw it on a Corvette. Anyway I would appreciate any info you can give me. TIA

It may not be a Corvette, but I do get squeals out of people, mostly men.

I guess I should slow down a little when entering corners. Bah!

Gimme an hour or two, and I'll have my book.

The switch and the solenoid are definite things to check out.

... also make sure that the two small screws, that hold the black knob on the shifter lever, are in place and not loose.

Just wanted to add that the brake lights are working.

Well that's Haynes for ya. I can't find shit on it. Kinda ticks me off, but it's not there.