04 Explorer won't shift out of Park.

[95astroman]

My 2004 Explorer XLT 4.6L V8 AT is very difficult to shift out of park. Sometimes I have to push very hard on the brake in order to get the transmission selector out of park. Other times it is no problem.
Any suggestions?? Thanks.

[shorod]

Sounds like the Brake Pedal Position (BPP) switch is failing. There's a pretty good chance the brake lights are not working either.

There is a shift interlock bypass to allow you to shift out of park when this switch completely fails, but since the brake lights are also effected, replace the switch ASAP.

This was a common enough issue that there is a revised switch design with new wiring connector pigtail. You should be able to purchase the revised part from your local auto parts store for around $25. At least that's what mine cost about 5 years ago when I purchased one for my 2004 Mountaineer.

-Rod