I've searched around quite a bit, but can't seem to find the solution to my specific problem. My 87 Jeep Cherokee is stuck in park and the brake lights don't work. I replaced the rod in the shifter, that isn't the problem. I replaced the brake switch to no avail and after that attempted to jump the connections to see if I could make the brake lights come on manually and still nothing. Is there a relay or something else I'm unaware of? The Jeep does have cruise control, not that it works anymore, but that seems to factor in somehow in the research I've done. Also when I went to check the brake bulbs they were both blown. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

So you step on the brake pedal and you can't shift out of park? Can you depress the button on the side of shifter when stepping on the brake? How about when off the brake? If the shifter interlock is broken you won't be able to shift.

Edit: just reread what you posted and it looks like you already replaced the interlock. Have you crawled under the jeep and tried to shift the transmission manually (while vehicle is off and someone pressing the button on the shifter)?

 

When I press the brake I can't press the shifter button. It's completely locked up. Oddly enough, I did take the housing off from around the shifter, and if I press down hard enough on the metal tab the shifter rod connects to I can force it out of park and into gear. The brake lights still don't work at this point. Once I get it out of park (forcefully and in an incorrect manner) it will shift between drive, neutral, reverse and back into park just fine. And then will be stuck in park again.

 

Note from DJ
Do you have the Jeep parked on a hill when you are placing it in park?

 

No. Good thought though!

 

Have you tried stepping on the brake first, starting the jeep, then shifting? Seems like you have an interlock problem. You need to figure out why your brake lights aren't working. Fuses/relays ok? If the brake light switch isn't functioning properly then your interlock isn't going to work properly. So focus on getting them lights working!

 

I've tried all combonations of brake stepping and starting. Totally agree that my problem lies in the brake lights not working. Has anyone ever diagnosed this before? I also thought it strange that both brake lights blew at what seemed like the same time. Does anyone know what Fuses and/or relays I should test for this problem? I've checked all the fuses in the fuse box and they seem fine.

 

I don't think the brake switch has anything to do with the interlock in 1987.

And make sure your T handle is fully seated down while you're at it.

 

Cruiser with his infinite information to the rescue!

 

Seriously, I would remove the T handle and see if pushing down on that plastic thingamajig gets it to shift.

 

Thanks for the info Cruiser! Unfortunately I've tried taking the shifter **** off and pushing with all manner of things. The really strange thing to me is if I push down on the metal lock tab located in the mechanism of the shifter really hard with a wrench or screwdriver I can force it out of park.

 

Disconnect the interlock cable and see what happens.

 

I'll do that this afternoon and get back at ya. Thanks again!

 

Pretty sure anything is worth a shot at this point lol.

 

Have to Isolate the problem. Yes.

IIRC, the 87s didn't have the interlock cable and there was a recall or TSB on adding it......

Mine are all inop......