Escort ZX2 shifter button sticks so car is stuck in park

[korzo]

The shifter button on my automatic 1998 Ford ZX2 sticks so my car can't get out of park. Sometimes when I warm up the car, it unsticks. Sometimes I have to just wait until it unsticks itself. Does the manual override feature (the reset you do with the screwdriver) temporarily resolve this issue, or is that for something else? What is the permanent fix for this, is it simple to do, and/or would it be expensive to have it fixed? Thanks.

[Davescort97]

The shift interlock system prevents the gearshift lever from being moved out of park by the shift lock actuator, the park range switch, and the ignition/shifter interlock cable that is connected to the ignition switch. The ignition switch must be on and the brake pedal depressed to move the shifter out of park. If the stop lamps don't work you won't be able to get it out of park. The manual override lever will mechanically bypass the electronic portion of the shift interlock system and allow it to shift out of park. 3 fuses control the shift lock actuator. The 15 amp stop fuse, 10 amp room fuse and 10 amp meter fuse. Check these. There is a cable running from the ignition switch to the shift lock actuator. It could need adjustment. THe shift lock actuator could be bad. The brake switch could be bad. The park range switch could be bad. The gear shift lever linkage could be binding. The permanent fix is to take it someplace that has had experience with this type of thing and can pin point what the problem is. It would be very expensive to start throwing parts at it. I estimate $200 to get it fixed. If you want to sell it you would need to fix it. If not, I would leave it in neutral and set the emergency brake.