On my "97" F-150 sometimes when I go to shift from park the shifter seems locked, I press on the brake and it shifts from park in gear most time but recently it has started locking in park more and more. I have to keep pressing and letting up on the brake pedal until it releases from park. Is there A switch that going out or a adjustment that needs to be made...

TKS..

 

The switch that controls brake light activation also controls the electric solenoid that prevents shifting out of Park until the brake pedal is depressed. If the wiring to the switch is defective, or the switch is going bad, you'll experience the problem you're having.

To keep from being stranded if it won't shift out of Park:

1. With the engine off and the ignition key in the Lock position, turn the ignition key far enough to release the mechanical steering wheel/shift lever lock, but not so far as to activate the dashboard lights (as that will enable the electric solenoid).

2. Shift into Neutral and start the engine.

Repeat this drill everytime you want to shift out of Park.

Word to the wise: Don't be too muscular with the shift lever. It's hollow in order to accomodate the wiring for the O/D switch. It can be broken off.

 

Thank you Paul for the quick reply......this helps alot

David

 

Paul,
Went to change braklight switch and found that wire had broke at terminal, re soldered wire and everthing is fine, thanks again for your help.

David.

 

Hey guys im new here, but i have seemed to find alot of helpful info on here.
My question is, im having the same problem, but i dont know if "brake switch" is the name of the part or if it is the neutral safety switch. Also if you could kinda guide me as to where its located, so i could check the wiring first before i spend money, and is it a factory replacement or can i go to autozone or murrays if i need a new one? Thanks in advance

 

The brake swith is located at the top of the brake pedal arm, it held in by a wire clip, and has a plug on end. I found that the wire was broke when I look at mine, resoldered it and it fixed the problem.

 

Thanks for the prompt reply, so it is called the brake switch and, i am going to check it out this weekend, appreciate the help!!