Hi - When I press down the brake pedal and try to put the truck into D or R using the dash monted shifter it doens't want to move out of P. If I press really press hard on the brake pedal and shimmy and play with the shifter it will change gears but it's getting more and more difficult to do. Let me know of any suggestions. thanks. 97 f-150 XLT 4X2, 215,000 miles.

 

See if the brake lights work. Could be a blown fuse.

 

Did you have the cruise control recall performed? If not and your brake lights dont come on that is something you want to have fixed ASAP.

 

Thanks - getting the recall done tomorrow morn. The break lights do not go on unless I push down with ALOT of force then they light up and I can shift gears too.

-mike

 

In that case, your problem is with either the brake light switch or it's harness.

The switch may be worn or out of adjustment. Otherwise, the wires to the switch connector have a tendency to break inside the insulation and will need replacement.

If you need to get the selector out of PARK, you can just turn the key forward one position (before RUN), shift into Neutral, then start the engine. Once started, you can then shift into D or R as needed. The shift interlock, which is turned on by the brake light circuit, only affects the ability to shift OUT of Park.

Steve

 

My 97 F150 did the same thing.The wires inside the connection to the BOO (brake on/off) switch were broke.I cut the connection and added female spade connections to the wires and hooked it back up.