Why won't my car shift out of park?

Question

I have a 1995 ford ranger automatic that all of a sudden won't shift out of park...any ideas as to what is happening? and how to fix it?

Answer 1

jiggle the ignition tumbler or streering wheel or put force either direction while trying to shift out of park.  ignition (ford tumblers are notorious for messing up in those years) I had to do my F-150.  If that is the case, I ordered an aftermarket high quality tumbler and took it to a lock smith and had it keyed to original key.  This cost about 96 dollars for all (did the labot5 myself).

It could be trans related, or the brake pedal release as well.

Ford wanted to sell a set with new door and ignition so you would change the ignition and both doors to have the new key work all.  The set cost over 120 dollars and think of the extra labor...my way was cheaper and less work.

But, there could be a problem with the lock for the park which requires pulling the steering wheel and some other stuff behind it.  hope this helps.

Answer 2

Sounds like your transmission is shot. Go to a car repair place and get that fixed...well u might have to have your car towed there lol but i'd go do that immediately.

Answer 3

Press down on the brake pedal and make sure the steering wheel isn't locked

Answer 4

Some cars need to press on the break, but sometime that is not the case and transmission needs to be checked.

Did you have it a service and changing the the transmission oil. that car is 13 yrs old and long time ago was time to change the oil on it.

Answer 5

hmm tranny prob maybe? since you said all of a sudden I'm assuming you've driven before and your pressing the brake before trying to shift.

Answer 6

Sounds like the transmission is stuck.  You'll need to expose the transmission or better yet find a mechanic friend do it for you.  Sometimes something might have just gotten loose which causes the shifter to not shift.  If that is the case then just fix the obstruction and you're good to go.  Of course if there isn't anything obstructing the shifter then it's something more serious and you should have it towed to a transmission specialist.

Answer 7

check the fuse for the brake lights. the reason you have to step on the brake pedel to shift from park is a safty feature. the solenoid that keeps the transmission from shifting from park is wired in with the brake lights.if there is a problem with the brake lights, it will efect the shift solenoid.

Answer 8

Not 100% sure, but on my car, I have to have my foot firmly on the brake in order to shift out of park.  If that still won't work, I would take it to a repair shop.

Answer 9

Maybe the engage sensor on the brake is faulty. Check first that the 12 volt plug terminal hasn't just come loose under there.

If the signal that you have your foot on the brake can't get through to the gearbox, it won't come out of park.

Cheers,

Danny

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Answer 10

maybe somthings wrong wit ur brakes and that doesnt allow u to shift out of park