Brake Shift Interlock System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer, 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and 2009 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The brake shift interlock system prevents 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. If the selector lever will not move out of PARK with the key in the ON position and the brake pedal depressed, it will need to be unlocked manually.