Symptom Chart - External Controls

Condition	Possible Sources	Action
Brake shift interlock system does not release/lock correctly	Circuitry open/shorted Fuse(s) Stoplight switch	Go to Pinpoint Test A .
Brake shift interlock system does not release/lock correctly	Brake shift interlock actuator damaged or incorrectly installed after repair	INSTALL a new selector lever assembly. REFER to Selector Lever .
Transmission control (TC) switch does not operate correctly (MKZ only)	Instrument cluster Circuitry open/shorted Transmission control module (TCM) TC switch	Go to Pinpoint Test B .
Selector lever linkage is out of correct gear relationship	Selector lever cable is out of adjustment. Loose selector lever cable bracket	REFER to Selector Lever Cable Adjustment . CHECK the selector lever cable bracket. TIGHTEN as necessary.
Key stuck in the ignition cylinder or does not lock in the ignition cylinder when the selector lever is not in park	Ignition cylinder damaged Selector lever knob damaged Selector lever park detent switch damaged Selector lever pawl is not contacting park detent switch	CHECK the ignition lock cylinder, REFER to HANDLES, LOCKS, LATCHES AND ENTRY SYSTEMS . CHECK the selector lever knob button function by cycling the button. If the button is binding, INSTALL a new selector lever knob. REFER to Selector Lever Knob - 2.3L, 3.0L or Selector Lever Knob - 3.5L . CHECK the park detent switch signal, go to Pinpoint Test C . CHECK the selector lever for correct contact.
Selector lever binding	Selector lever bezel damaged Selector lever damaged Selector lever cable damaged Internal transaxle components damaged	CHECK the selector lever bezel for damage. If necessary, INSTALL a new selector lever bezel. REFER to Selector Lever Bezel . CHECK the selector lever for damage. If necessary, INSTALL a new selector lever assembly. REFER to Selector Lever . CHECK the selector lever cable for damage. If necessary, INSTALL a new selector lever cable. REFER to Selector Lever Cable . CHECK the manual control lever and internal transaxle components for damage. REFER to AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION - 6 SPEED or AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION - FNR5 .
Brake shift interlock override does not release the selector lever	Shift interlock override damaged	INSPECT the selector lever for damage. If necessary, INSTALL a new selector lever. REFER to Selector Lever .