I left my jeep at home, and was in chicago when hurricane ike hit galveston.
Returning home i found that water had got halfway up the radiator.
dryed it out inside and out.
pulled plugs
changed oil
charged batteries
fired it up, spit the water out
added new plugs and it started just as before.
had to get new starter, and the alt is screaming from shot bearings.

I can not get it out of park, brake depressed, engine running, the button will not depress to shift to drive.

 

That button release is controlled by the brake light switch. Check it to see if it has power. You may have gotten lucky.

 

sorry to hear that..

 

What year is the XJ?

 

You might want to check all the other fluids unless you already did. Tranny, tcase, and axle oils will need changed.

 

wow sure glad i dont have to worry about hurricanes up in wisconsin. the worst thing i really have to worry about where im at is the possible tree falling, a tornado, or a cow stampede haha. no but really, that sucks.

 

2X on the brake interlock.

You should hear a faint "click" from center console when you press the brake pedal.
May just be a faulty brake light switch.

 

This should be done without question. We need to know more about your XJ. What year and engine/tranny/transfercase.