I've had an issue with my 2005 Ford Five Hundred going in gear for some time. Typically, I have to feather the brake pedal for 15-30 seconds before the button will release on the shifter and allow me to put the car in gear.

As of this morning, feathering no longer works. I can't get the car to go in gear and I see no manual override that would allow me to bypass the safety and put the car in gear.

Any thoughts on what could cause this? Also, is there a hidden override somewhere that I'm missing?

 

I do not believe there is an overide for this function. What you can do is to check the stoplite switch for correct function and operation. The switch activates the solenoid that releases the shift linkage and allows the lever to be moved. It never hurts to check the easy things first like the fuses.

 

Thanks for your response.

If the solenoid is located in the actual shifter, I can hear it clicking around once in a while - it just never releases. The brake switch seems to work properly (insomuch as the brake lights still work when the pedal is depressed).

If there is no override, I'm in trouble...

 

If you are able to remove the lower dash cover on the driver's side you should be able to see the solenoid. When you can see it watch it for movement when you depress the brake pedal. If you can't see any or much movement you may be able to at least see what has to be moved so you can get it out of park. The vehicle doesn't have to be running to do this. Once out of park you should be able to get it to start in neutral then use the parking brake to hold it until you can determine if the signal to the solenoid is weak or absent or if the solenoid itself is defective. This will at least allow you to move/use the vehicle, providing you don't inadvertantly put it into park again. .

 

I tore the car apart this afternoon and found that my shift interlock solenoid is only working intermittently (very weak). I called Ford to see if they had the part and they said I had to buy the entire assembly for $223!

Looks like I'll be calling junkyards until I find a five hundred that I can tear apart.

Does anyone know if this particular solenoid is shared between models? It would help me broaden my search.

 

Just a little follow up.
Were you able to make sure all the 12 volts is getting to the solenoid ? A poor or malfunctioning stoplite switch connection cooud do the same thing. I would run 12 volts straight to the solenoid to confirm that the solenoid is faulty. If it works everytime you just saved some $$.