Worked like a charm once I figured out which piece to push gently in. Now the question how do you determine if the interlock solenoid is the problem. After the shifting the car and driving it into the driveway. It still doesn't disengage the next time I try and start it normally in park.

Big Thanks by the way..

 

So just to make sure.....your brake lights work? (meaning you've ruled out a bad brake light switch)

Check if fuse 21 is good in the passenger compartment fuse box. It's labeled "transfer box/audible alert" but the electrical diagrams indicate it is used for the shift selector interlock as well. If that's good, you can be pretty sure that it's the solenoid. You can put a volt/ohm meter on the connector to the solenoid and verify that one side is always grounded and the other side is getting 12 volts when you put your foot on the brake with the ignition on. If it is, you can be certain it is the switch.

But the chances are in the high 90% range if your brake lights work, the fuse 21 is good, and you can see that the solenoid is still plugged in to it's connector that it's bad, even without the volt meter check.

You can pick one up at the dealer, but you'll probably pay too much. Atlantic British has them for $53.

 

The ignition must be on for the brake lights to work.

 

Oddly enough, I am having the same problem as of yesterday with my 96 Disco 1. I would be interested in what you find out. My key also can not be removed from the ignition.

Thanks.

Kurt

 

The brake lights work and fuse 21 is good. Thanks for the tip on Atlantic British - I will order one Monday. I'll let you know if it solves the problem.

 

The owner's manual for the 99 states that if the battery goes dead then you will not be able to shift and the key will be locked in the ignition. Have you checked the battery? It could be dead or near dead.

 

In my case the car starts and the brake lights work - just can't shift. Narrowed it down to the possible interlock solenoid with one of the contributors on this thread.

 

Please let us know what the cure is.

 

Anyone know what a 120000 mile service includes?

 

DarylJ is all over it.


"Weak Link: Park MechanismModels Affected: '95-'99 Discovery I
What Happens: Controls on the Discovery prohibit the transmission from being shifted out of Park if the brake system is not functioning properly. While this is useful in preventing accidents, unfortunately the controls fail at a higher rate than the brake system.
Sturdy Fix 1: The first step is to see if your brake lights are functioning. If not, check the F1 fuse to see if it is blown. Also check the brake-light terminals to ensure that they are not touching and causing a short.
Sturdy Fix 2: If the fuse is intact, the brake switch is the likely culprit. This switch activates your brake lights as well as the shift interlock solenoid that permits your shifter to move from Park when the brake pedal is depressed. While there is no aftermarket upgrade available, factory replacements are available from Expedition Exchange for less than $35. It is recommended you carry a spare brake switch since they are small, inexpensive, and easy to swap out if necessary."