Putting Your Vehicle In Gear; Overriding The Brake-Shift Interlock Feature - Ford 2001 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual

Driving
Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transaxle are equipped
with a brake shift interlock feature
that prevents the gearshift lever
from being moved from the
P (Park) position unless the brake
pedal is depressed.

Putting your vehicle in gear

You must push the thumb button to
move the gearshift to the position
you choose.
To operate:
1. Start the engine.
2. Depress and hold the brake
pedal.
3. Move the gearshift lever out of
P (Park).
Overriding the brake-shift
interlock feature
If you cannot move the gearshift
lever from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed:
1. Turn the ignition off and remove
the ignition key.
2. Apply the parking brake and the
brake pedal.
3. Insert a screwdriver or similar
item about 5 cm (2 inches) into the
square opening to the right of the
gearshift at the base of the console.