This morning I started the engine and when I tried to move the shifter from park it would not move , I turn the key off but I was not able to get the key out , I had to take a cab to work , any ideas??? by the way is a 96 Disco with 170,000 miles

 

Try prying the cover off of the top of you shifter and look and see if clip came off inside. hard to explain, but you know if this happened. This happened to me at a gas station. Luckily i had a pocket knife with me and was able to pry the cover off and put the clip back on.

 

Also, press the brakes and see if you have brake lights, if not, you have a failed brake switch.

 

.????

 

ok no brake lights, so how do I replace the brake switch???

 

You buy a new one, then stick you head under the dash, find the matching part, remove the bad one, replace with good one.
Should take you 15 min.

 

should take you less then 5min. i swapped mine out in the dark in under 5. its a black plastic switch about the size of a lighter that is clipped in place under the dash. has a wire loom connected to it. unplug the wire. turn the switch a 1/4 turn to release it from the dash. put the new one in and plug in.

easy


new one at the dealer is about $20 so no need to wait 3-5 days for shipping

 

Sounds like i may have the same problem as I parked my 2000 Disco II last night and then this morning, put the key in the steering column and it will not turn. Checked the brake lights and those do not work either.

Does it sound like a failed brake switch?

 

Also check the inside cabin ''''fuses'''' before buying the brake swith, some times the fuse just blue out, check if transfer case in in low or hig gear, if is in neutral the key will not come out..

 

This is probably stupid but you never know. I have to wiggle my steering wheel a lot sometimes to get the key in/out depending on if the wheel is turned and/or on an incline when I park it. It's as if the steering wheel lock is putting pressure that needs to be relieved on the ignition switch.