Car is stuck in park, what is wrong?

See if the brake lights work, if not check fuses and the brake light switch. If they do work then the lock out solenoid is inoperative. Check the owners manual for the location of the bypass control, that should let you get it into gear or neutral, it will lock again if you put it back into park to get the key out until repaired.

Try turning the ignition lock one click away from you (clockwise). Step on the brake pedal and shift into neutral to start the engine. Definitely sounds like the solenoid for the shifter lock is stuck from sitting. Hope that helps! Jim

The shift lever seemed locked on my 2005 Town Car Full Stretch. I talked it over with my mechanic.... jammed linkage? cable hung up? His suggestion, "start it, stomp the brake pedal 3 times, keep the pedal depressed and try it." This worked thank goodness because I had parked in front of two garage doors. Hope this simple fix works for others. Rolle Classics - Virginia