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'92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Huff
User
May 2, 2009, 3:56 PM
Post #1 of 10
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'92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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I am having a problem with my '92 Topaz. I cant get it out of park. My shift knob popped off when I pressed on the side release button so I thought if I replace the knob that would be the fix. So I had to buy a universal one and it worked for about 24hrs and then its started happening again. Not allowing me to gear out of park. I would push and push on the release button and then finally with all my strength I was able to get it out of park. I thought I would try to adjust the position of the new shifter knob but still no luck. What can this be? Why is this happening? I noticed when I took the knob off there was a white plastic cord of some kind inside the metal shaft which I think needs to be pushed down to change gears...? I was told by someone that I should be able to push this down with my thumb... Is that true? Because there is no way that it will go down I tried and tried with my hand. Please can anybody help?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 3, 2009, 3:42 AM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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That would be called the shift interlock feature. It operates on the same circuit as the brake lights so the first thing you want to do is to make sure the brake lights are working when this problem is present. If the brake lights are working, that proves the circuit is good up to that point, then you'll have to get to the solenoid in the console. Disassemble as much as you have to to access the solenoid near the shifting mechanism. Us a 12v test light to test for power coming and going at the solenoid when the brake is applied. If power is arriving and switching and the solenoid is not triggering, the solenoid is bad and will have to be replaced.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Huff
User
May 3, 2009, 9:19 AM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Thank you. Where do I find this solenoid to test? And where do I put the 12v test light.. will the wires be exposed for me to touch just like checking a house electrical outlet?
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Huff
User
May 3, 2009, 9:42 AM
Post #4 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Also should I use a "test light" or a "digital voltmeter" to test the solenoid?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 4, 2009, 8:46 AM
Post #5 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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BACK! As Hammer Time suggested - do the brake lights work?
T
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Huff
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May 4, 2009, 8:57 AM
Post #6 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Well, they were working up until yesterday but now as of last night they do NOT work. So does this mean it may be fuses or the brake light switch? Or still something bigger like the solenoid?
How do I check to see if its the brake light switch or something else?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 4, 2009, 9:07 AM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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First off - I don't know this exact Ford well but the switch is on upper metal of brake pedal. It's the most common reason for your complaint of NO brake lights and a shifting issue. Friggin Ford and I like them uses short wire to those and the break off then you get no brake lights and no shift out of park most common IME,
T
PS: If you find wires pulled out - go get a junk yard plug and the switch and splice them in a bit longer......
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Huff
User
May 4, 2009, 10:10 AM
Post #8 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Sorry I am very new to this. I am checking inside the vehicle under the brake pedal right not underneath the car? To find the upper metal of the pedal? Sorry and could you please describe to me what exactly that will look like... And will the switch look it a switch or is it just a bunch of wires? Do I have to disassemble anything to find this?
And as for your junk yard suggestion.. I just get the same one from my type of vehicle? and just use the wires to make them longer and toss the plug and switch away?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 4, 2009, 5:29 PM
Post #9 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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 This is the (mercury type) stop lamp switch; It is mounted on the brake pedal. Pay close attention when removing. There is a nylon insulator that goes into the pedal and a nylon washer that insulates the pin that you remove to remove the switch. It these two insulators are not replaced correctly, the brake lights will stay illuminated. As Tom mentioned, it is very common for the wires going to the switch to break at the connector. Pay close attention to those. You can buy a new connector, if needed, at most parts stores.
Loren
SW Washington
(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on May 4, 2009, 5:30 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 4, 2009, 8:23 PM
Post #10 of 10
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Thanks Loren! As for junk yard stuff - any Ford would do - just cut off more wire if a get your own parts yard. Got the "T" shirt of this exact problem,
T
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