2002 Ford Escape

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