Brake shift solenoid on a '94 v6

[Buddkat]

I've got a '94 v6 auto that will not shift out of park, and was wondering if any of you have had this problem and how you fixed it. I've checked the linkage, and fuses, but I'm leaning toward the shift solenoid being the problem, because the button will not depress when you apply the brakes.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

Can you feel or hear anything in the shifter handle when the brake pedal is pressed? Most likely it is the shifter unlock solenoid, I couldn't think of any other reason why it wouldn't move, less the button on the handle is broke? I've never had to replace one of those before so I'm not certain how to get to it. If it were my car, heck I'd just remove it and leave it at that. I don't have kids getting in my car so no worries there. I've had an engine light on the whole 9 years . That would be your only problem. An engine light might come on if its removed.

I believe the solenoid is in the PRNDL display section of the shifter. Or it may be further up near the handle. Note that you cannot press the button in the handle fully unless the brake is applied.

 

[Buddkat]

Thanks for the reply, info was helpful. I think I'm gonna remove the console and see if the switch is under the PRNDL display as you stated. Not sure how the PRNDL display slides up over the shifter handle, can't see any connections or bolts because the whole thing is about 5 inches in circumference and theres no enough room to see or get your hand through.
Anybody got and secret tips on taking the console out? All I see are a couple screws at the shifter bezel, but its mounted solid somehow at the floor by the seat, does'nt feel like its just clipped down, feels more secure than that.
Once again thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Buddkat]

Got the console out, could'nt find any kind of solenoids , did see one electrical plug underneath the PRND display.
Anyhow....started prying around on the ratchet latch or whatever it is, that locks your shifter in gear, released the latch and got it home to work on.
I think it has something to do with the ignition switch because if you turn the key to on....the first click, you can depress the shifter button and change gears.
Then you start the car, turn it off and try to depress the button again, it won't go.

 

[MustangLX-5.0]

Were you by any chance stuck over a friends house or something? Just curious.

Forgot about turning the key on. Yes that has to be in the on position. Were you trying to move the shifter well beforehand while the key was off? I assumed your car had been running.

 

[Buddkat]

The car was at my wifes job, about 10 miles from home.
The car was running and could not be put in drive, I just happened to be messin with the ignition switch and discovered that you could move the gearshift when you put the key in on position, if I start the car, the button will not depress. So now I leave it in neutral and pull the parking brake.