Steering Column Repair: Cant shift out of Park, ford taurus, taurus wagon

Question
I have a 1994 Ford Taurus wagon. I am having a problem shifting out of park. It started after the second time I got a section of my brake lines replaced. When it would stick, I was able to rock the car a bit and it would shift. This didn't happen all the time either. In the last few days the sticking has gotten worse. My fiance was able to figure out a way to manipulate it so it will shift. I have to start by putting maximum pressure on the brake while pulling back on the shift lever (I have a column shift). Then as I slowly let off the brake pad while pulling the shift lever back and forth slowly, it will shift. You kind of have to play with it a bit. It sounds like it is getting caught on the lock between park and reverse. Any ideas/suggestions for home repair, or should I take it in? Thanks!!

Answer
Hi Pamela:
This is a fairly common problem on the Taurus / Sable model.  The brake-shifter interlock system fails.  The car need to have you step on the brake before it will let you release the shifter.  What happens is either the brake switch fails or the wire to the switch begins to break.  This happened to be a 'silent recall' from Ford.  I would recommend calling the dealer and seeing if it is covered, otherwise have a mechanic get the repair kit from Ford and replace the switch and the wires at the brake pedal.  It's a fairly inexpensive repair (under $100 for everything)