1997 Sable 3.0 V6 - not shifting from 'PARK'

[riproaringca]

Car: 1997 Sable Wagon, 3.0 V6, auto w/overdrive
KM: 235,500

Hi all,

I have looked at other posts here decribing the remedy to getting the shifter to move out of 'Park' (replacing the Brake On/Off Switch or 'BOO' Switch. I have done this hoping that it would solve my problem, but it hasn't.
Here is what else is happening - which suggests to me that it may be something more involved than just the Brake On/Off Switch:

- unable to shift from 'Park' when ignition is 'on'.
- able to shift & start when ignition is turned forward one position.
- no brake lights when brake pedal is pressed (!)
- no interior cabin lights
- no wiper power
- no power windows
- cruise control turns on, but cannot set the accelerator
- power locks work from inside, but cannot turn driver's lock twice from outside to unlock all doors
- all parking lamps, headlamps and signals work.
- white 'reverse' lights are operational.
- all fuses seem to be ok
- have not changed any relays found in the fuse block (under the steering column nor in the engine compartment's megafuse block)

I do have a Haynes (similar to Chilton) manual that claims if the car has been idling rough, or no brake lights coming on when the pedal is pressed it may be an indicator of the Brake On/Off Switch being faulty. Rough idling can also be caused by burned-out lamps, apparently. (Who knew!)
All lamps seem to be ok, but the car did idle roughly a couple of times in the past week. That was passed-off on it being a cool morning after a miserable day of rain.
There hasn't been any indication that something was about to give-out on the car, so this has me really stumped.
Can anyone share some insight?

Many thanks!

[C. Cleve]

Hi, Best advice I can give you is.....GET A FACTORY MANUAL....It will have all the diagnostic FLOW CHARTS and wiring info.....YOU have a wiring and or module problem....Now all you have to do is find it...GOOD LUCK..Clay...

[mtmaurer8ooo]

Sounds to me like you need a brake shift interlock solenoid. IT is what locks out the ability to shift from park, not the stoplight switch on the pedal, although I'm pretty sure they are connected - i.e. the stoplight switch activates the shift interlock sol. - Column and floor shift do make a difference. Column cost about $46 @ the dealer...Floor costs about $57 (includes cable and solenoid) @ the dealer. MM

[riproaringca]

Good news - sorta.

The culprit of my problems was a tiny break in a wire located somewhere between the front wheel and the firewall. Apparently Taurus/Sables and Crown Vic/Grand Marquis models are susceptible to this. There's a ponytail of wiring that passes through the firewall and from time-to-time the casing on a wire chafes to the point that moisture can get in there and corrode it completely away. Or maybe the casing splits at some point in time - who knows for sure?

The break in my wire was about 5mm or 1/8". About the size of a grain of rice. The hole it left looked like a rotten tooth with just the green casing remaining. While some people may have a broken wire, others like me might have one that has corroded to the point where there isn't any juice getting to the parts that need it.
Scary thing is that both the brake lights and hazard flashers were affected at the same time - no way to warn anyone behind that you're slowing down or you've become a potential obstacle!

About 3 hours of labour to trace the problem at a CAA/AAA certified garage. Leave it to the guys who know the vehicles and save yourself the mental breakdown, even if it does cost you some $$.

[C. Cleve]

Hi, RE your solution to Park problem, A job well done and your last paragraph in your post says it all, You don't know how many times I have told people in these forums to bite the bullet and spend a few bucks with the people who know the answers...Good Luck.....Clay..