no brake lights = the switch

 

The solenoid just keeps you from shifting out of park UNLESS your foot is on the brake.

So, if you are confident that you'll stomp the brake before shifting, you're ok. But if not, or if someone else is driving the truck, you should replace it.

The way I look at it, vehicles didn't have those solenoids til a few years back, so I can live without it.

 

Check your brake switch. You can disconnect the switch and use a jumper wire to close the circuit. Your brake lights should come on and the interlock should release the shifter.

 

I had the same problem a few days after I bought my truck. No brake lights and wouldn't shift. It will be the switch above the brake pedal. Super easy to replace, but mine just got compressed too far some how by the PO. I pulled the switch apart and reassembled it correctly. No problems since.

 

Thanks everyone, with your help, i was able to pinpoint the problem. It turned out to be the plunger on the brake light switch got compressed. I was able to pull the plunger back out and that seemed to do the trick.

 

If your Discovery ever gets stuck in Park Watch this Video. The Easyiest Temp Fix, will get you moving with in seconds


Thank you George.

Next the obivous places to look for a fix are.

First look at the fuse for the brake lights. Row on the Right as you look at it.

Second check the brake light switch, which is on the top end of the brake pedal.

Third the Selenoid.