Cannot put car in drive, unlesss car is off, help???

[pquiroz]

I have to turn key in the neutral position put the car in drive then start the car. It will not let me put the car in drive after the car is started in park. help???

[cougarman]

Your foot has to be on the brake to shift from park. If it still won't come out of park, check your brake lights , if not working the fuse for brake lights may be burn't. Another cause is the brake lamp switch or wiring to or from switch.

[pquiroz]

Thanks I'll look into this, and check it out.

[spartan160]

Originally Posted by pquiroz

I have to turn key in the neutral position put the car in drive then start the car. It will not let me put the car in drive after the car is started in park. help???

I've had this same problem with my 98 Sable. The Ford garage says it is in the mechanism of the shifter and of course they want 275 bucks to repair it. When it happens the brakelights don't come on when the brake pedal is engaged. My local mechanic has replaced the brake light switch (a $12 part) and that took care of it for awhile. When it started again, he adjusted the switch and it is fine again. Apparently the adjustment on them is really sensitive.

Hope this helps you out.

Don

[flybynight]

my 93 has a similar problem... it is due to the wear and tear on the shifter itself.... if you are like 99% of the world you pull it to the left when you pull it into gear.... try pushing the shifter to the right as you pull it back to shift. if that doesn't work i unfortunately say you are SOL. good luck!