Shift Interlock System
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The shift interlock system prevents a shift out of PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed. The shift interlock system has a shift lock actuator mounted on the floor shifter assembly. If the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the shift actuator will allow the shifter to be moved out of PARK only when the brake pedal is pressed.