1995 Ford Aerostar Won't shift out of park

1995 FORD AEROSTAR
150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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EDTHEUY47
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Started it up, no problem, heard a pop when turning on windshield wipers. Dash lights went out, rear abs light flashing.. Will not shif out of park.
Everything else works, other than the flashing ABS light and not having any dash lights.
Mar 3, 2009 at 6:56 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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Use a test light and check fuses
also check brake light switch
step on the brake paddle check if you have brake lights coming on
Mar 3, 2009 at 7:17 AM
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EDTHEUY47
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Thanks, but could you expound on the reasoning behind being able to see the brake lights when peddle is depressed? I'd like to uindertand the chain of events, thanks.
Mar 6, 2009 at 7:50 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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If the brake light comes on when stepping on the brake paddle that will tell all electrical ,switch and fuses are OK and its the shifter lockup solenoid and circuit that need to be check
very common for the brake light switch to be the problem and when it fail brake light will not work
let me know if they do come on I will send you the list of the next step
I just didn’t wont to complicate thinks for you if its just a fuse or switch
let me know if ready for the next step
Mar 6, 2009 at 8:59 AM
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EDTHEUY47
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Is there any way to overide thsi manually, so I can move the vehicle to a garage?
Mar 9, 2009 at 6:38 AM
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EDTHEUY47
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I replaced two blown fuses and the brake light switch. I am now able to shift into gear. My issue now is I have a problem with the 15 amp fuse that feeds dash lights, radio and marker lights, this is the #4 position on the fuse layout. It keeps blowing. Also the ABS light is flashing.Any ideas? Thanks for all you input, it is truly appreciated.
Mar 10, 2009 at 8:55 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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According to my wiring diagram fuse #4 is the feed to ABS module

check wiring for a short
scan for ABS codes
unplug the module unit most likely its at fault

as for the lights is it when you have the head lights ?
and if so try and do this turn the light on and than check fuses
check headlight switch
let me know
Mar 10, 2009 at 5:58 PM
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AEROSTAR4
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disconnect shift cable at transmission, link moved all way towards front of vehicle , would be in park. block wheels and try all gears with motor running. assistant help.
Mar 11, 2009 at 10:48 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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That is a very dangerous move and I would advice against it
Mar 11, 2009 at 12:40 PM
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EDTHEUY47
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Still blowing that 15 amp fuse that's in the #4 position, you say is in the ABS circuit.
I get 12 flashes on the ABS light the whole time I'm driving, although yesterday it just glowed(common).
Where can I diisconnect the ABS sensor? And will it have any adverse affect on the braking.
Note: This is my 3rd Aerostar (great vehicle) in the last 2 the ABS light always glowed, but my brakes were fine. I still have no dash lights or radio, but all else works and van is driiveable.
As usual, thanks for all your help.
Mar 14, 2009 at 1:18 PM
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BMRFIXIT
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COMPONENT LOCATIONS

Control Module --------------àBehind Lower Center Of Instrument Panel, Below Ashtray
Diode/Resistor----------------àBehind Left Side Of Instrument Panel, Taped To Harness
RABS Test Connector-------à Behind Left Side Of Instrument Panel, Taped To Main Harness
Speed Sensor -----àThreaded Into Front Of Differential Housing
RABS Valve Assembly ----------------àOn Left Frame Rail, Toward Rear Of Engine Compartment



RETRIEVING TROUBLE CODES
Ensure ignition switch is in RUN position (engine does not need to be running). Locate Black RABS test connector. Connector has 2 mating halves. One has a Black/Orange wire; other has a Red wire. Disconnect connector. Connect jumper wire to connector terminal with Black/Orange wire. Ground other end of jumper wire for 2 seconds. When ground circuit is completed then broken, Yellow REAR ANTI-LOCK warning light will flash trouble code.
Code will repeat until ignition is turned off. Code consists of a number of short flashes followed by one long flash. Count each flash, short and long, to determine code number. For example: short, short, long, is Code 3. Perform corresponding code test after retrieving code. A Code 16 indicates system is operating properly
Mar 14, 2009 at 6:02 PM
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EDTHEUY47
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Found out this morning after being stopped by a cop, I don't have tail lights either.
Can you help?
Mar 19, 2009 at 6:34 AM
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BMRFIXIT
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Turn lights on
Check rear lights all out or just one
If one or few just check the bulbs
If all out with lights on check fuses
And if all ok you have a short in the wiring system
Check harness
Mar 19, 2009 at 12:04 PM