96 Ranger won't shift from park

[tobas]

My problem is that after starting the truck, when I try to shift out of park, shifter seems to be in a locked position and won't come out. With truck turned off, if shifter is wiggled slighty out of park position, then will shift into gear. Any ideas?

[Johnny Mullet]

First make sure your brake lights are working, if not, then you found the reason and maybe some other explanations.
If the brake lights work, then it sounds like the shift interlock in the column is going bad. This device is located on top of the steering coulumn on the back side and not real fun to change.

[tobas]

Thanks for the input...Too bad, my brake lights are working so it sounds like I might have to deal with your other suggestion which of course is the worst of the two. Is that something I can do or is it better to just take it in and have it dealt with?

[Johnny Mullet]

If you never dropped a column, I would leave it to the pros. Especially with an airbag system if equipped.

[tobas]

Thanks for your help. Doesn't sound like something I want to tackle so I will take it in and have it looked at.

[danengr]

I had the same problem a couple months ago and it was driving me crazy until I replaced a fuse. This was all it was. I can't remember which fuse it was. The other poster may be right. It may have been the brake light fuse. I can't remember for sure but it may be worth a try to check your fuses. Sorry I can't be more specific.

[tobas]

I will definately check the fuses first as you suggest. Knowing what the other option is (shift interlock) it would make my life a lot easier if it was something simple like that. My hazards don't work so I wonder if that is related. I changed the flasher (under dash) but that didn't solve the problem.

[tobas]

Update:
Truck continued to have this shifting problem and assumed it was a problem with the shift interlock. Just a few days ago, truck did not have any brake lights. Searched around, fuses, wires, then found a split brake wire under dash. Fixed the wire, brake lights work and now truck shifts correctly without a problem! Wire must have been the issue all along but went undetected until wire finally split and lights stopped working.

[Johnny Mullet]

I knew it was something simple.