Won't shift from Park

My 96 Town Car starts fine, but will not shift from Park. I have to turn-off the ignition, depress the brake pedal, shift to neutral, and restart in neutral.
Any ideas?

Sounds like somethings not aligned in the column linkages when the key is in the "run" position.
I read in another forum that something on the far end of the column works loose causing different problems, like yours for one.

I don't recall what it was, but simply tightening it back to normal fixed the problem.

If you need an overview of the column assembly,CHECK HERE (http://www24.brinkster.com/sdhartney/linc/linc.htm) , look through my makeshift index for "1996 Steering Column"

TTFN

Sounds like the Brake shift interlock. Most cars nowadays have you press the brake in order to change gears.

I believe that this was first introduced mid-year in 1992 IIRC. I don't know where the part is exactly but that's what I would put money on.

I have heard of them going from time to time.

It's the BOO switch... Brake On/Off switch located on the brake pedal... When you depress the brake pedal, it activates the switch which "unlocks" the shifter and allows it to be removed from Park... Call your local Ford dealership for a price and exact location...