The shifter in your vehicle may stop working for a variety of reasons, and it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose the cause. In your 2003 Ford Explorer, if your shifter refuses to move back into the Park position, you will be in quite a dilemma -- unable to stop your car. If this happens, you can fix the shifter with a few simple procedures that can be completed from your driver's seat.
Be sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal and that your key is inserted all the way into the ignition switch. It also must be fully turned to the "RUN" position.
Clean the area around and on the shifter. If the shifter is not working, it may be because it has accumulated dirt, grime or stickiness, and may not be moving properly back into Park.
Remote the console panels around the shifter to see if there is anything jammed inside that prevents you from moving it into the Park position.
Press and hold the override switch as you move the shifter back into Park. Continue using this button until the shifter can be fully repaired.
