2000 Escort Park Safety Switch

[jfull1965]

I have a 2000 Escort that was stuck in park. I found the by pass button under the cup holder and was able to get the car in gear. My questions is this: How do I test the solonoid that is supposed to release the lock? I checked the brake lights and they do work(this solonoid is supposedly on the same circuit). I have the console off and I can see the wiring to the solonoid. How do I test, and what is the voltage that should show up? Does that prove that it is good/bad?

Thank you in advance.

Jeff

[jfull1965]

Originally Posted by jfull1965

I have a 2000 Escort that was stuck in park. I found the by pass button under the cup holder and was able to get the car in gear. My questions is this: How do I test the solonoid that is supposed to release the lock? I checked the brake lights and they do work(this solonoid is supposedly on the same circuit). I have the console off and I can see the wiring to the solonoid. How do I test, and what is the voltage that should show up? Does that prove that it is good/bad?

Thank you in advance.

Jeff

Correction: It is a 2001, although I don't think that matters.

[xtreme barton]

buy a manual for 15.00

[Davescort97]

I would just leave it in neutral and set the parking brake.

[xtreme barton]

Originally Posted by Davescort97

I would just leave it in neutral and set the parking brake.

and not fix the problem ?

[C. Cleve]

Hi, RE Your escort park lock problem, remove the connector to the solenoid, then connect a volt meter, step on the brakes with the ignition ON, If you have voltage, replace the solenoid, NO voltage?, check the wiring to the brake light switch.....GOOD LUCK,....Clay..

[jfull1965]

Originally Posted by C. Cleve

Hi, RE Your escort park lock problem, remove the connector to the solenoid, then connect a volt meter, step on the brakes with the ignition ON, If you have voltage, replace the solenoid, NO voltage?, check the wiring to the brake light switch.....GOOD LUCK,....Clay..

Hi Clay, thanks for the info. I know that the brake switch is good because the lights work. I'll try the volt meter on the solonoid connector.

[kellysue70]

I had the same problem with my 01 ZX2 (auto trans).. only later that day, the car shifted into overdrive and just stopped pulling!!! Is this in any way related to a transmission malfunction? Also, is this the same crappy transmission used in the Ford Contours?