Unable to shift out of Park

[azwildcat]

I have a 2019 F250 Super Duty, 4x2, 6.2 Gas, 6-Speed Trans. 5500 miles on it at the time of the problem. I started the engine and attempted to back up. The gear shift would not move out of park. The engine was running fine and the brake lights were working. Called Ford road side assistance for a tow to the dealer. Arrived at the dealer about 4:30 pm. They would look at it the next morning. Asked about a loaner--no luck. They have to diagnose the problem first. They kept the vehicle all the next day and their diagnose was a blown fuse. Unable to determine why the fuse blew. Replaced the fuse F9 (10 amp). The owners manual states that if you cannot move the gearshift out of park and the brake pedal is pressed and the brake lights are working you may have a "malfunction". Has anyone else had a similar problem or have any idea what really caused the problem. I did purchase a couple of extra fuses ($6.41 each) as a precaution if it happens again. 1500 miles later everything seems to be fine.

[mkirsch]

azdryheat wrote:
Wow, never park a new Ford where you have to back up.

If you can't get it out of park, you ain't going forward either.

[RoyB]

I had a similar experience a few years back something like this one time with an older 2004 F150 Ford truck. I was parked where I need to back out. I started my truck and went to Reverse first - nothing happens. Then I went to Drive first then to Reverse then it backed out... This would happen on several occasions... Strange things haha... I was able to get out of park each time however... I never asked the Ford folks about why this would happen...

Have never had this happen on my current 2010 F150 Ford Truck...

Roy Ken

[azwildcat]

bguy wrote:
There should be a transmission shift interlock override. I'm sure it's outlined in the OM.

The OM does describe a procedure to allow you to move the gearshift lever from park. It is a 9 step process involving removing gearshift lever boot and moving things around inside the steering column. I didn't have the OM with me at the time and not sure it would have helped as the instructions seem somewhat complicated.

[carringb]

There's 2 shift overrides on Ford.

1) is to turn the key away the lock position, but not ON. This should let you shift into neutral, where you can then turn the ignition further and start the truck.

2) there's a mechanical overide inside the steering column (below the turn signal switch) but you have to take the shroud apart to reach it.

I agree with the comment on the high mount stop light.... This is the one that triggers the interlock.

Also do you use your parking brake? If the truck rolls hard enough against the park pawl, it might not be an interlock issue, and you just need to relieve driveline pressure.

[wra]

I have a Ford Camper. I also had a problem with getting out of Park on occasions. However, I finally realized that the steering wheel lock was the problem. The RV was on an incline, causing the steering wheel not to turn and unlock the selector lever. Forcing the steering wheel to turn and releasing its lock allowed me to get out of Park.

[toedtoes]

I had a problem like this on my Dodge Durango. After sitting during the week, I'd take it out for errands. I'd park and go into a store. When I came back out, I'd start it and wouldn't be able to move out of park.

After 20 minutes or so, it'd suddenly be able to move out of park and I'd go on my way. It wouldn't do it again all weekend.

The next time I'd take it out, usually 1-3 weeks later, it would do the same thing.

When I took it to the shop, they were perplexed. Finally one mechanic said it was the gear shift cable. He said it would get stuck in the steering column so the gear shift couldn't move. He moved it inside the column and I haven't had a problem since.

[SidecarFlip]

On some Ford trucks, the high mount brake light has to be fully operational or it won't shift out of park and if you have a moisture short in the assembly it will pop that fuse.

[Edd505]

azdryheat wrote:
Wow, never park a new Ford where you have to back up.

Really helpful!

[Super_Dave]

I had a cable adjustment issue on my Dodge where I couldn’t get it to register being in Park. It made trying to start the truck a PITA until I realized it would start in Neutral. Got the cable adjusted and no more issues.

[philh]

There is a transmission shift interlock override.

I'd question if the cable adjustment had shifted.

[bid_time]

bguy wrote:
There should be a transmission shift interlock override. I'm sure it's outlined in the OM.

No - What the OM says is to check the fuse.

[bguy]

There should be a transmission shift interlock override. I'm sure it's outlined in the OM.

[azdryheat]

Wow, never park a new Ford where you have to back up.

[ShinerBock]

Thanks for sharing. I will let my father-in-law know that he should carry a few extra fuses just in case.