Depress the brake to shift from Park

[KManiac]

I have some useful information that applies to many more Ford models than just the Aerostar.

I had the opportunity to borrow my father-in-laws 1992 Aerostar to run an errand. This is my father-in-laws "Beater Van", to give you an indication of it's overall condition. Anyway, both my father-in-law and brother-in-law warned me that there was a problem with the transmission that I had to work around. I guess it had been this way for a while. They instructed me to first insert the key and rotate the ignition switch one position to unlock the steering column, pull the transmission select from Park to Neutral, then start the car. Otherwise, if I start the car in Park, the transmission selector will jam in Park. I did what they said and got underway.

When I stopped at a convenience store, I noticed the transmission would shift into Park without a problem while it was running. I then noticed the label on the dashboard which says "Depress the brake to shift from Park". This got me to thinking. Maybe there is an electrical switch on the brake pedal that is not working. I then turned the car around and backed it into the parking space in front of the convenience store. Seeing the back of the van in the reflection of the store window revealed that the brake lights didn't work.

When I got the van home, I disconnected the wire connection to the brake light switch and connected a jumper wire between the two terminals. The brake lights lit up and I could shift the van from Park with the engine running. Conclusion: Bad Brake Light Switch I replaced it the next day.

So, if your Ford won't shift out of Park with the engine running, even if you are depressing the brake pedal, you most likely need to replace your brake light switch.

[Loekee75]

Originally Posted by KManiac

I have some useful information that applies to many more Ford models than just the Aerostar.

I had the opportunity to borrow my father-in-laws 1992 Aerostar to run an errand. This is my father-in-laws "Beater Van", to give you an indication of it's overall condition. Anyway, both my father-in-law and brother-in-law warned me that there was a problem with the transmission that I had to work around. I guess it had been this way for a while. They instructed me to first insert the key and rotate the ignition switch one position to unlock the steering column, pull the transmission select from Park to Neutral, then start the car. Otherwise, if I start the car in Park, the transmission selector will jam in Park. I did what they said and got underway.

When I stopped at a convenience store, I noticed the transmission would shift into Park without a problem while it was running. I then noticed the label on the dashboard which says "Depress the brake to shift from Park". This got me to thinking. Maybe there is an electrical switch on the brake pedal that is not working. I then turned the car around and backed it into the parking space in front of the convenience store. Seeing the back of the van in the reflection of the store window revealed that the brake lights didn't work.

When I got the van home, I disconnected the wire connection to the brake light switch and connected a jumper wire between the two terminals. The brake lights lit up and I could shift the van from Park with the engine running. Conclusion: Bad Brake Light Switch I replaced it the next day.

So, if your Ford won't shift out of Park with the engine running, even if you are depressing the brake pedal, you most likely need to replace your brake light switch.

That's great info! I'll keep this in mind if I ever come across this problem

[ZSU234]

Did the same thing on my 93(cussed it out real good)then felt like a dumb ass
after words.

[reyno21]

Thank you so much for the info. It sounded identical to my van's problem so I told my hubby. (Of course he sounded skeptical because he doubts the computer and the fact that I may know something about automotive stuff ) Anyways I went down to Canadian Tire and picked up the brake light switch and my husband switched it up when he got home. Lo and Behold! It works like a charm now.
I was so proud of myself for finding the solution on my own and showing that I can be pretty resourceful when needed. Plus I saved money by not having to take it to the garage to get fixed. The part cost me $12.99. Without this forum, this would have been my husband -
So once again. Thanks.

[KimMG]

Common problem on lots of Fords and has been addressed many times on the various sub-forums.

[tookalook]

Its not a problem it a safety feature built in read your manual

[03cavPA]

Well, yeah, it's a safety feature, but it's a problem if it doesn't work right.

I was having intermittent problems with mine, until I found that one of the wires on the switch was hanging by a few strands. I repaired that, and it's been fine since.