Ford Repair: ATX shift lever stuck, brake light switch, blown fuse

Question
1995 escort LX, auto trans, 1.9L sohc. The thumb button on shift lever will not fully depress to allow shifting. Worked fine and then did'nt for no apparrent reason. Chilton book does not cover. How do I fix/trouble shoot? Son's car, starts drivers training soon. Getting worried can,t drive car! :) Please help Dad fix. Thank you. (car is in park and am pushing brake pedal)

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
 Do you remember when it did work that you would hear a sound like a electric motor engaging? That was the sound of the shift solenoid. See if that sound is still there when you step on the brake, and have the key in the ON position. Also, check to see if your brake lights are working or not. If they aren't I would first check the fuses in the interior and exterior fuse panel for a blown fuse. Then if there aren't any bad fuses, I would take the shift console apart to gain access to the shift interlock motor. Test it with a test light..........see if you are getting a voltage signal when you step on the brake and the key is in the On position. If you are, it is most likely a bad shift interlock motor. If not, I would check the brake light switch and connector on the brake pedal.
Hope this helps,
Erik