Cant Select Gears, (only Sometimes Though)

[Guest Rockwell_B1b]

Hi All

 

Kinda new to this forum, and was hoping i could get some suggestions here. I have a Ford galaxy 2.3 ghia petrol Automatic W reg. I have searched the forum and found some similar problems but not exactly the same.

 

When the engine is not running i can select gears no problem, i can push the button in and slide it back and forth, the problem comes when i start the engine, the button wont push in therefore i cant slide it into gear. Now i have read that it could be a problem as simple as a brake light switch.

 

The first time it happened was yesterday, i got the galaxy loaded up as we were off out for the day (5.30 am, kids moaning it was too early) i started the engine tried to put it into gear but the button wouldnt go in, kept trying, switched it off then on, tried it again, no luck (and i did have my foot on the brake). So we had to use the bloody Corsa :) instead, anyway when i got back i tried it and it worked ok, no problems :) . selected a gear and off it went.

This morning however, same thing when taking the kids to school, didnt work, (tried again a few times) i tried it this afternoon and it selected a gear.

 

Not entirely sure what is going on here, any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

[Steven.Langdale]

Hello

 

You didn't say, when you can't move the selector, are the brake lights working?

 

Steven

[Guest marcusheawood]

...is that a clue? :)

[Topbloke]

most probbably the brake switch

[Guest Rockwell_B1b]

OOps sorry, NO the brake lights are not working, with engine on or off. I know that this could be the problem, but would it make any difference to say that last night i started it and it worked fine, i selected drive and away i went, but this morning it didnt work again. ???

 

Steve.

[Steven.Langdale]

I'm getting confused here :)

 

Are the brake light not working when the selector won't move, and are when it will? Or are they completely broken?

 

Just get a new brake light switch, they are only a few quid and easy to change. The instructions on TIS or a Haynes manual are easy to follow.

 

Steven