2002 Ford Escape

"gw1" <none RemoveThis @000.com> wrote in message
news:1203830_e24ea9de557b81dd215e51102397260d@autoboardz.com...
> My daughter's 2002 Ford Escape XLT is stuck in drive. The gear shift
> is n the park position, but it shows drive and therefore will not
> start. Help!
>
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> interface
> Thread archive:
> http://www.AutoBoardz.com/2002-Ford-Escape-ftopict247533.html

Is it in gear, or does the indicator just show it's in gear? Does the shift
lever move without affecting the transmission? Try moving the lever to
different positions and see if the truck will start (VERY CAREFULLY!!). If
the lever pretty much just flops around, it's probably the shift cable, but
could be worse things wrong. If the lever actually puts the tranny in
different gears, it may be a cable adjustment. That involves taking the
upper and lower covers off the steering column. If it the lever is stuck in
Park and can't be moved, even with the brakes on, it may be a blown fuse, or
the tail lights are burned out. There is a small cover on the top of the
steering column close to the dash. With the engine off and the key removed
from the ignition,use a small screwdriver, lift this cover off. Inside, you
should see an access hole. With your foot on the brake, press in on the
interlock with a small screwdriver and shift the lever to neutral. (All of
this is on p. 166 of the owner's manual.) If the gear indicator doesn't
move, there's a problem with it. If it all looks right, then the problem may
still be with the cable, etc.

Good luck,
SC Tom