Ford Repair: 2002 Ford Explorer, dash radio, door locks

Question
Hi Chris,
My family was on our way home today, and about a mile away from our home we lost most power to my explorer.  The gauges were not working and the clock, radio, windows, door locks were not working.  We got into the drive way and we could not get the explorer to go into park.  We put it into neutral and it remained running but could not get it to go into park.  Its very frustrating and was wondering what was going on with it and is theres something that we can do before we take it into the shop?  I thank you for your time and really hope you can help!!!

Answer
hey there. this is odd, It sounds like an electrical issue with you dash, radio and door locks not working, but the mechanical shifter assemblies have no electonic assists that would stop you from putting this in park. Unless you there is an issue in the steering coluum causing all this trouble. The first thing i would do is check all the fuses. this may lead you to a concern but will not fix it if there is a problem. Check the fuses and get back to me. if there is one blown replace it and if it pops immidiatly then there is a short that will have to be traced, as i said let me know. good luck
Chris P