2002 Shift Interlock interfering with start

[jkonigsfeld]

HI, my 2002 ignition will turn on, but starter wont turn. It is not a battery or starter issue. I think it is possibly the switch that doesn't let the starter turn when transmission is not in park even though the shifter is in park. Any one have any feelings on this? I will sit in car and turn ignition and starter will not turn, no clicking no nothing, but all lights and ignition is sending power to rest of car. I will press unlock button mess with shifter turn on and off and then suddenly it will start as if no problem.

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[biddle]

See threads related to brake light switch and shift Interlock neutral safety switch.

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F

Thread '2002 Unable to Shift Out of Park- bypass procedure'

Feb 7, 2025

Hi all,

I have a 2002 Ford Thunderbird that won’t shift out of "Park." This happened earlier today, and I’ve read that it might be related to the brake light switch on the brake pedal. In the meantime, is there an emergency release to get the vehicle out of gear so I can move it?

Is there a physical release under a panel, or a procedure to manually disengage the shifter? Any advice on how to resolve this temporarily would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

• FordPAGFanBoy
• Replies: 7
• Forum: 2002 - 2005 Retro Ford Thunderbird

 

[DThomas]

I just had the same issue; starter would not turn. Battery was fine. We replaced the starter relay. It is easy to access under the hood, left side, black box. Starter Relay 11450, K22, C1017. So far so good.