Escort 1998 Automatic Gear Stuck in Parking

[autobahn74]

My Escort 1998, which has never had transmission trouble in the past, had in the morning an electrical problem: the stop lights stayed on, a part-time mechanic managed after a few trials to fix it, but as this afternoon, after having driven after this for a long distance through mostly smooth ground and no gear troubles, drove home and parked the car and left the gear in parking in front of the garage.
Then when I turned on the car tonight, I turned on the engine, pressed the break softly and then pressed the gear bottom on the lever and ... it did not turn, it was absolutely stuck in parking and would not budge and inch.
Apparently the fluid is fine but I'm not sure what really is the problem or if is time for an expensive transmission repair.
Does anyone out there now how to fix this crazy situation, I need to get to work in the morning :C!

[jdr2008]

It may have been the patch job the mechanic did on your brake lights, On my 95 you have to apply the brake to disengage the shift lever, It has to be related, funny thing it was working fine until then. thats my opinion. but that doesnt mean Im correct on my diagnosis, Hopefully someone will post that will be able to help you out. Good luck.

[Marko11]

Should be a manual release for the shift lock... look in your owners manual under shift lock or something similar