Shifter Stuck in Park!!!---how to diagnose and fix (Ford Explorer)

How to diagnose and replace a shift interlock solenoid an wiring on a 2004 Ford Explorer (and many other vehicles) when the shifter will not move out of park.

[shanevanhove]

Thank you!!!
That detailed video is worth a follow. I was lost after i checked my fuse panel. I have to put all my weight on the break pedal to get it out of park.

[danielyarbrough]

You have made an excellent repair video. One of the best I have ever seen. So detailed, with all the details. thank you very much.

[patrickflannery]

An in depth look at the problem. Great video

[Tex]

Thank you !!! I bought my 04 Explorer new and have had very few problems. Today it wouldn't come out of park.. Thanx for saving my ass !!

[Arkoff]

Top notch explanation and diagnosis. With regards to my situation, I didn't want to remove the steering wheel so I went the lazy route and cut the wires from the 2 turquoise switches and removed the wire harness that way only needing to move the wiper control switch up a bit. I couldn't remove the connector going into the shift interlock solenoid but bench testing it with the connector on was easier for me. The solenoid worked and the top turquoise switch was the problem. I used compressed air on it & pressed the clip to see if it would engage but nothing worked. Knowing that switch is discontinued and of little consequence, I spliced the wires going into the top switch together. I then connected the wires correctly for the bottom switch. It's a tight space so don't go this route if you're not comfortable reconnecting wires in tight spaces. Just an fyi, the bottom switch locks the key in the ignition when the red and yellow wires touch. Thanks for making this detailed video or I would've spent about $150 for a new solenoid to have the same issue.

[Floatsfast]

Check the brake light switch first before tearing the steering column apart. See if you have brake lights. If you don't it may be the wire is loose or fell off as it's easy to hit and knock off with your foot.

[tboneproductions]

Nice job diagnosing the electrical issue!😊

[Bhupenderin]

Very helpful video! I had the same problem today but was able to drive the vehicle after releasing the pin with a screwdriver. Do you know what is the part number for solenoid? THANK YOU for posting this video.

[davidoberstar]

Thank you for this fix my car is stuck in the garage in park and with the coronavirus I cannot get parts for my truck sent over
Your a life saver cheers

[nix]

I love watching people that know what they're doing. :)

[anthonyelliott]

Another thing is there's a fuse in the fuse box, that should be checked before you take things apart.i was changing some fuses that were burnt, no good.i had to move my Expedition n it wouldn't move out of park, so I was tripping.than I remembered that I didn't put two fuses in.so I put the new two fuses in, than I was able to put in gear.thank God.

[mbo]

In an emergency, keep a small screwdriver in the car to slide into the slot below the steering column to manually remove the locking pin. This will enable you to shift into drive. It's not pretty and people my think you are hotwiring the car but it saves a tow. You will also need to do this to put the car back into park from drive after you get home.

[jjawacs]

I had this problem, intermittent shift stuck. I removed the steering column covers and watched the pin. Insert key and press brake the pin goes down. Verified multiple times, solenoid good, I then noticed lots of debris around the micro switch where the round section of the column rotates top side. I used an air can and blew out all the the particles. No further issues, suspect the debris was causing the micro switch to make bad contact. Zero cost and 20min of work. 2003 Explorer.

[danmuscutt]

Good job dude. Thank you for your expertise. I'm now a Subscriber

[estergarcia]

Love your video your voice is clear and concise to the point love it♡♡♡♡♡

[tpolton]

Dude very nice videom, very much appreciated, top tier content.

[deanrobinson]

I used this your video to find my problem "Ya" My question is what is the part number for the switch/harness...
Dean

[stephendougal]

Thanks for that informative video. I think I can fix my problem now.

[jimroberts]

a 2001 Escape. Shift indicator doesn't always show proper gear. Is in Neutral right now (showing reverse), but still won't start.

[mbo]

Do you have a Ford part number for the wiring harness with the switches?