I'm having a hard time getting my car to shift out of park when I start it. I have to push the brake pedal as hard/far as I can. I have a 1996 mustang (automatic). I'm like everyone, I can't afford to leave my car at a garage while they figure out what is wrong. Does anyone have any idea?

You could have a bad brake switch.

Shift Lock System:

. This system provides a safety interlock that prevents the shift lever's movement out of Park, unless the brake pedal is depressed.

. An actuator solenoid and module assembly, located on the lower portion of the steering column, locks the shifter in Park, whenever it receives a signal that the ignition key is in the ON position. On models with floor shift, a cable connects the shifter to the interlock module at the steering column. When the module receives a signal from the Brake On-Off (BOO) switch that indicates the brake pedal is depressed, it unlocks the shifter so it can be shifted out of Park.

. The most common failures in this system are the fuse, which also protects the cruise control deactivation circuit.

. If the system is not operating, check the fuse first. If it's OK, the BOO switch may be the problem. The BOO switch may need adjusting and/or spraying with WD-40.

Since you may not know the location of the BOO Fuse, use a test light or multimeter to check all underdash fuses:

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