after starting my car (ford e350 1998) i can't switch gear to drive (d-mode). Abs light started blinking - what do you think is the problem and what should i do?

 

I think something is wrong with the abs system. I have had that light come on a few times and after 20' in reverse and 50' in forward it goes off. Give it a spin.

 

Im sure there are more knowledgable folks than me, but I dont think the two issues are related. On my 95 the ABS comes on intermittently but it doesnt affect how it shifts. There is, I believe, a switch at the brake pedal that when depressed actuates a release so you can shift into drive. It's there for safety reasons. Perhaps the switch is bad or the release mechanism(lock) is bad at the column.

 

I had something similar happen to me with my 98 F150. I was putting in a stereo when I grounded a hot wire. Truck started fine, but wouldn't go into gear. Don't remember the abs light. but anyway I had blown a 50 amp fuse under the hood. Replaced it and everything worked fine. Check your fuses. Also the moral of the story is, disconect the battery when doing electrical work.