Hey guys, I have an 07 F150 but I am hoping for some help for my Dad's 2003 Explorer. I put a thread on the Explorer page also, just looking for help anywhere I can get it. Ok, he has an 03 Explorer that will not shift out of park some times. I searched the site and couldnt really find anything about it. Most threads say that the brake lights stay on, this is NOT his problem. His lights wont come on so it will not shift from park. I am trying to find a part number, TSB or something to try to fix this. We beleive it is a brake light switch problem, but cant find out a part number to order or anything else that we should look for. Thanks for your help and I apologize for putting this in the wrong area.

 

Sounds like some sort of shifter Interlock has gone out (Ensures that your foot is on the brake prior to shifting into a gear).

 

I'm guessing it knows your foot is on the brake by the brake light switch. I would just go to auto zone or somewhere like that and get a switch. There cheap so its worth a shot

 

On Edit:

Check fuse location 23 and 26 before replacing any switches.

 

I have an 2007 F150 now but my ex-truck was a 97. The brake light switch went bad and was replaced with an OEM part. The part was very cheap, can't be more than $15.
After replacing the switch, the problem still existed and late found out that the tiny wire connected to the switch was broken internally due to age / usage. Cut the wires and re-solder them back to switch and no more problems. I think the perfectly good used switch is still in my tool chest.
My suggestion is to examine the wires carefully before replacing the switch.

 

These locations seems to have a direct effect on the brake pedal switches and shifter interlock assemblies.

 

Thank you all very, VERY much!