2002 Will only shift out of park when I press down hard on brake

[Bob Explorer 200]

Hi,
I've got a 2002 2 WD Explorer that's developed a shifting problem. Recently I've had trouble getting it to shift out of park and, up until this afternoon, I succeeded in getting into drive by playing with it by lifting and lowering the steering column and wiggling the shift lever. Today, after it refused to shift, I was just about to try using a screwdriver to override the BSI when I decided to try putting a little more pressure on the brake pedal. And it worked. Not just once but several times over the course of the afternoon. Every time I put a little extra pressure on the brake pedal, I can easily shift it into gear.

Earlier on I did a search here and found most of the posts involved replacing the BSI and using a screwdriver to override it, but I seem to remember a post somewhere mentioning a switch somewhere below or near the brake pedal that could also cause this. Problem is I can't find that post. Can anybody provide some help here? It'll be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[swshawaii]

Check this before replacing brake light switch | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

02 Brake Light Switch | Ford Explorer and Ford Ranger Forums - Serious Explorations

 

[Bob Explorer 200]

Thanks very much, SWSHawaii. Do you know if there are any diagrams of position of the switch I dont know where exactly the switch is located

 

[swshawaii]

https://www.google.com/search?q=200...ved=0ahUKEwi_7o3uooPRAhUS8mMKHdQYBY8Q_AUICigD

http://s293.photobucket.com/user/jjames_69/library/

 

[Bob Explorer 200]

https://www.google.com/search?q=200...ved=0ahUKEwi_7o3uooPRAhUS8mMKHdQYBY8Q_AUICigD

http://s293.photobucket.com/user/jjames_69/library/

Once again, thanks a lot, SWSHawaii. The shifting problem seems to have disappeared for the time being but, as soon as the weather warms up around here enough to get the temperature inside my garage a little higher, I'll be able to remove the switch and have a look inside and, if necessary, replace it with a new one. I appreciate the help here.