97 Ford Taurus gear shift stuck in park

From the manual,
If you cannot move the gearshift out of P (Park)
with the brake pedal depressed:

  1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to
    LOCK, then remove the key.
  2. Insert the key and turn it to OFF. Apply the brake
    pedal and shift to N (Neutral).
  3. Start the vehicle.
    If it is necessary to use the above procedure to
    move the gearshift, it is possible that a fuse has
    blown and the vehicle?s brake lamps may not be
    operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the
    Roadside emergencies chapter.
    Driving

So nice they write this stuff down somewhere, hope it works,