Originally posted by projectSHO89:
You can work around a faulty shift interlock by:

1) Turn ignition key forward to the position between LOCK and RUN
2) Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (Engage parking barake first)
3) Start engine
4) Shift into gear avoiding PARK

There is also a mechanical bypass method listed on page 131 of your owners manual. If you don't have one, go to www.fleet.ford.com and download it from the Maintenance section. They have guides available from 1996 on.

Suggest you have your charging system and battery checked out.

Steve




That key thing doesn't work on the Contour, that's why they have the mechanical override on page 131. On every other Ford there are five positions on the ignition. On the Contour, there are only 4, and they eliminated the one between lock and run.