Ford Repair: 00 Escort wont shift into gear, brake shift interlock, sensor circuit

Question
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the help, I did check and my brake lights are working, I even called the service department at the dealership where I purchased the car and they told me to turn the key to the "on" position but not start the car and see if it would go into neutral, but still nothing. Since the brake lights are working should I still try to bypass the Brake-shift Interlock System?, Or is there something else I should try.  I really appreciate your time and help.

Lynda
Followup To
Question -
I have 2000 Escort, automatic. Sun night the check engine light came on and then Mon morning the car would not shift out of park. The little button that you have to push in is stuck and won't go in. Any advice you can give me would most appreciated.

Answer -
I can think of how the two concerns could be related.  The Check Engine light is part of the emissions system, it comes on when an emission sensor goes out of its normal operating range.  You will need to have the system scanned for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's), the code will indicate which sensor circuit is having a problem.  It could be a bad sensor, a wiring problem, or a symptom of a different problem.  The most common cause of a Check Engine Light on an Escort is a bad Canister Purge Solenoid.

The shifter button being stuck and not going in means that the Brake-shift Interlock is not releasing.  The most common cause of this is a bad brake pedal switch.  An easy diagnosis of this is to check to see if the brake lights are working, because they share the same switch.

The Brake-shift Interlock system can be bypassed.  Remove the small plastic cap next to the shift lever, on the shifter assembly.  Insert a small screwdriver into the hole and press down a least an inch.  While holding the bypass down, the shifter can be moved from Park.

I hope this helps,
Dave  

Answer
Yes, you should try the procedure that I described.  You can bypass the brake-shift interlock, move the shifter into neutral, start the engine, move the shifter into reverse or drive, and take the vehicle in for service.  The person that you talked to at the dealer gave you instructions for a different vehicle.

Dave