Ford Repair: 1999 Towncar, avail, several times

Question
My car has 148,000 miles and runs well, but today I can't move the gear shift out of park, even though the engine is running and my foot is on the brake.  I have tried several times during the day to no avail.  This has never happened before.  Can you tell me what is wrong and needs to be fixed?  Thank you in advance for your help.

Answer
Hello Richard, The shifter has a interlock switch to release when brake pedal is pushed down so you can put into gear. Check to make sure you have all brake lights, there is a switch called a BOO      (BRAKE ON/OFF) switch on the brake pedal lever. The wires to it could be loose in the connector or the switch may be bad. That is where I would look 1st. Hope this helps Thanks Tony