Shift Interlock System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer and 2006 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The brake/shift interlock system prevents the shifting from PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed. The brake/shift interlock system consists of a shift lock actuator mounted on the selector lever. If the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the shift lock actuator is disabled when the brake pedal is depressed.