1996 Ford Aspire Owner's Manual - Page 45

Shift-lock System For your safety, the optional automatic transaxle has a shift-lock system, which prevents shifting the transaxle out of the P (Park) position without depressing the brake pedal when the ignition key is in the ON position. To shift the transaxle out of the P (Park) position: 1. 2. 3. 4. Depress and hold the brake pedal. Start the engine. Push in the thumb lock button and move the gearshift lever. See Emergency Override System later in this section for more information. NOTE: When the ignition key is in the ACC or LOCK position, the transaxle cannot be shifted from the P (Park) position. If the brake pedal is repeatedly depressed and released when the ignition is in the ON position and the selector lever is in the P (Park) position, a chattering near the gearshift lever may be heard. This is not a malfunction. NOTE: Your vehicle's gearshift lever is securely latched in P (Park) if you cannot move it without pushing in the thumb button. Keep the brake pedal depressed while moving your gearshift lever. To make the system more effective, the ignition key cannot be removed unless the gearshift selector lever is in the P (Park) position. 43