The ANSWER below says to SHIFT to neutral and start the car there.
If the original post was called CAN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK, then HOW can you shift to NEUTRAL to start the car from there ????
TIA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Subject: Re: Can't Shift out of Park"Shar>Yes, Federal requirement for a number of years now. If your brake on/off
(BOO) switch ever goes out, better have the Owner's Manual handy to
>figure out how to get the car into gear.
>
>WFD CSP wrote:
>>
>> 97 Crown Vic - Every once in a while I can't take the Shift lever out of Park.
>> Could it be the switch that detects if your foot is on the brake?
The work-around, in case you don't have the Owner's Manual handy, is to put foot on brake pedal, shift to neutral before starting engine, then foot on brake (so it doesn't roll on ya) and shift to either drive or reverse as appropriate.
Drove my van for 2 years doing that. It's also a great anti-theft device and drives jiffy-lube type places and valet parking attendants crazy ... they'll definitely come looking for you if you forget to tell them about it.
Phil