Need some help with a dead shiftlock on a 96 850. I assumed it was the microswitch, and replaced it this
 morning (this was replaced twice before). Still have to use the override button to put the car into gear. I'm
 not getting any current to the switch, which leads me to think its the brake light switch. After all of this, I
 noticed that all 3 brakes lights were dead. There is no bulb-out warning light when the brakes are applied,
 but not sure if this warns of a brake switch failure? And I don't know if the brake lights died when the
 shiftlock did. The shiftlock did die suddenly- not an intermittant problem like previously.

 So is the shiftlock activated by the brake light switch? Or do I have another problem? Anybody seen this
 before? Is the bulb-out circuit supposed to warn of a switch failure? I guess the lesson here is to check the
 brake lights before you replace the shiftlock microswitch.

 Thanks for any clues,
 Dave H.
 93 854GLT
 96 855
                       

 Yes, the current to the shift lock is controlled by a switch connected to the brake pedal. That is why you
 also need to press the brake pedal to get the car out of park. I had the same problem and it turned out to
 be a bad fuse.
                       

 Yes, the brake light switch powers the shiftlock. Have replaced many switches. Check the fuse first. If fuse
 is good, probable brake light switch. When you go to replace it, you will find two switches at the brake
 pedal. 1 has 2 wires and a hose, This is for the cruise control. The other has 4 wires, this is brake
 light/shiftlock switch. It snaps in to the bracket. Look at the new one and you will see the retainer tabs. To
 remove the old one, simply twist it from side to side to break it loose. It's hard to see release the retainer
 tabs, and since you're replaceing it, it doesn't matter if it breaks. When installing the new one, plug the
 wiring in, push down on the brake pedal, and snap it in to the bracket. Note when you release the pedal,
 the switch will make a clicking sound. This is normal on new switch, it is self adjusting.
 --
 bob
                       

 Bob,
 Thanks for the quick help! I had checked the fuse and it's good, so I'll get a brake switch. Guess my wife's
 been driving with no brake lights for 2 weeks. Too bad the bulb-out warning does not trigger when this
 happens...
 Dave H.
 93 854GLT
 96 855