Ford Repair: gear shifter, turning the key, ford escort

Question
Last Sunday my car did not want to come out of Park when I   start
to leave church...I kept pressing the brake and finally it   shifted for
me.    it hasn t done it in a few days and now today it did it again...
I   ready the manual and it said to ck the brake lamps it could be a   
fuse but they all work.    what else do you think it might be or
should I just take it in to   the dealer  it s a Ford Escort 2002 Sedan    
thank you  annie

Answer
You have a problem in the shift interlock. A competent shop can help with this, may be related to the brake lights or the circuits. There is a solenoid that prevents shifting out of park without turning the key on and depressing the brake pedal.

Most Fords this system can be bypassed by turning the key to the first position, (not ON), then shifting to neutral to start the engine. Make sure the parking brake is applied before doing this.