If all the wires look good, then I would suspect the switch on the transmission. It reports gear selection to the computer which in turn uses that information to operate the electronics. I think it(computer) also operates the indicator in the gauge cluster.
If it was coming apart or shorted internally, it could report the incorrect gear position.
tom

 

Sorry I know this problem was in the wrong forum, but if you guys ever experience this problem with your escapes I fixed the issue.

The problem ended up being a very bad ground issue. The ground off of the negative post on the battery (2005 escape) which is located on the side wall on the fender. There is a main engine fuse box exactly above it. The ground was corroded, also there is another ground right next to it which has 3 wires coming from it which leads to the engine that was corroded as well. I suspect this Ground which has the three wires along with the Negative Ground Terminal was shorting the Tranmission Range Switch and the Transmission Safety Switch out. I installed a completely new terminal and gave the three wires there own posts oppose to to being tied to one big one. I will post pics in a few hours.

 

I am unsure of this but it is a theory. could the ignition coils shorting cause a earth ground causing battery drain and the appearance of a bad altenator. I had issues with my 05 and change altenator, one week goes by and car dies come to find out lost three coils and the drivers in computer 1200 dollars later and no issues. my 06 is not having 8 hour battery drain problems and I mean stone cold dead. I cant even charge the battery hooked to the car its so bad. 108 000 so I figure I ll change plugs and c.o.p on all cylinders before it cost me a computer. Tell me your thoughts
Thanks

 

No.

That was a known problem with the 05 models and was unrelated to the alternator.
I think you'd be wasting your money if you think that plugs and COPS will fix the issue with the battery draining. You need to properly diagnose THAT issue.

 

it has a torx head at the top of the stud for removal. You'll need a torx socket e-10 and a nubby ratchet.

 

it's an external torque socket..I couldn't find one anywhere..ended up buying a set of universal sockets from Lowe's that worked

 

Good save!! It's only been 7 years since that was asked.