i have a 97 F150 with high mileage, now i noticed this problem lastnight. when i go to start the truck it starts fine, when i go to shift it out of park, i have restrictions, now when i turn of the engine and turn the key on without turning the actaul engine i am able to move my gear shift perfectly... is this strange i hope i am not the only one with this problem... and if it is a major problem, is it dealing with my tranny or just an internal problem that can be easily fixed...

 

Your truck has two systems that lock the shift lever in Park. The first is a strictly mechanical system within the steering column. Not troubleproof, but rarely causes a problem. The second system, which I believe is the source of your problem, is an electric interlock that is controlled by the same switch that activates the taillights whenever the brake pedal is depressed. The intent of this system is to ensure that you can't shift out of Park until the brake pedal is depressed. This switch is located underdash, just above the brake pedal. If the switch has gone bad, or a wire leading to the switch has broken off, you will have the problem you are experiencing.

This is not an uncommon problem, and has nothing to do with the condition of the transmission.

 

My 96 did this & it was the trailor light fuse blown. Its under the hood. I backed my boat in the lake without unplugging the lights & popped my fuse & couldn't get my truck in gear

 

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This exact same problem has happened to me this last weekend. When I called the service dept. today, he told me to check to see if I had a brake light out. When I checked them, I noticed that I must have a short in the brake lights somewhere. When the brakes are pressed, the lights may or may not flash on for a moment or two. I checked the fuses inside and didn't notice anything wrong there. Is there anyone who can give me some ideas on what to check next? It will be over a week before the local Ford Service dept. can get me in and I'm on vacation this week and would like to take the boat out and do some fishing.

 

A bad cruise control shut off switch will also cause this problem.

 

Geez... here we go again....

If your brake lights don't work, check fuse F13 in the under hood fusebox.

If it is blown, unplug the cruise disconnect switch on the master cylinder (inspect for fluid in the switch while you're at it) before replacing the fuse.

If the fuse is not blown, check the brake light switch on the brake pedal arm.

The temporary work-around is as the original poster indicated (It's on the owner's manual).

Steve

 

when you check the switch on the arm look for a loose wire that may touch sometimes and others disconnect, hence forth the sometimes the brakes work and sometimes they don't. It has all been said in this thread, start checking.

Lance

 

I was able to get the new switch this morning. As I undid the plug to the switch however, I found that one of the wires broke off where it connected to the plug. Was able to take the plug apart and rewire, now lights and shifter work fine. Did notice that a brake light was out however. Thank you to those with kind words and help. It is much appreciated.

 

I truely beleive thats what the forum is for we are here to help each other, saves lots of $$$ frome the scammers.

Lance

 

Thanks Lance!
One more question though...
Changed the bulb on the non working tail light and it still doesn't work. Tested the socket and not getting power to it. It's the lower light on the left rear. Any ideas on what to check next before I take it in?

 

start from the light and start checking the wiring towards the front of the vehicle for a broke wire or a bad ground. Many of times a wire will get cought up in something and break the wire. continuity checks along a wire work great aswell. to ensure it's not the assembly see if there is power going into the assembly if there is and still not getting to the socket then it is some where in the assembly. also check the socket for corosion sometimes a little WD 40 and a quick cleaning will solve the problem.

Lance

 

Thanks again Lance. I'll give those tips a try.