Put my 08 escape in park with floor shifter.jumped in to start it and it started but in reverse and shifter is in park. can move shifter to all gears but always in reverse. its a automatic

check fuses, jump starts can blow them.
then scan the PCM any time throttle Pedal is dead. no RPM rise ,correct?
engine start is park, and the throttle is dead in park\
or in gear Drive, car does not move but RPM rises or not.
will car move in reverse.

yah didn't jump stated the battery will cables jumped backwards right (at any time)
if yes that can be very bad.

Check transmission fluid. Torque converter needs ALOT of fluid to work .

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Shift Interlock System
The shift interlock system prevents a shift out of PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed. The shift interlock system has a shift lock actuator mounted on the floor shifter assembly. If the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the shift actuator will allow the shifter to be moved out of PARK only when the brake pedal is pressed.
Electroniclly controlled !

Condition Possible Sources Action

• The shift interlock system does not release or lock correctly

• Fuse in battery junction box (BJB)

• Check fuses.

• Brake pedal position (BPP) switch

• CHECK the BPP switch. REFER to Section 206-09 .

• Floor shifter wiring and/or connectors
• Transmission selector lever
• Ignition system

• Go To Pinpoint Test A .

You have to locate where the park ignition switch is located. Some are on the transmission and some are in the column under the dash. It probably got moved.

The shifter cable has broken more than likely ,Find the shift shaft on the transmission,,block the wheels and remove the shift cable from the shift shaft,put the gear shift in park,then shift the shift shaft in park,then it will start,Then of course you will have to replace the shift cable.

make sure you tested the level correctly. Sounds strange to be high, unless it got flooded.

if the shifter is moving then it is probably your trans. but if the shifter is not moving from the park possition (if it is an automatic) check to see if brake lights are coming on if not check fuse for brake lights,it also controls your shift lock.try turning key to possition before lights come on dash board and moving shifter into nuetral pos. then start car and put into gear give that a try, if it does the shift lock isn`t working.

The J gate is off and needs to be reset. This requires an experience mechanic. The J gate is located underneath the battery on top of the tranny. Turn the ignition to the on position, place the hand brake on, and shift the tranny in neutral. loosen the outer bolt to the J gate shift plate. It should be under some tension and will release to the proper position. tighten the bolt again and start the car. It will only start in neutral so don't worry about it jumping. When the car starts, you know it is in the right position. Run the shifter to park, reverse, drive to make sure all the gears are in their position. Readjust if necesarry.

Sounds like the car is just slipping out of gear. Keep your hand on the shifter when you back up next time. See if you can feel the shifter move when the car comes out of gear. If the shifter moves up when it happens keep pressure on the shifter holding it back like you dont want it to move forward. And of course if the shifter moves back when it comes out of gear, put forward pressure on the shifter so it doesnt slip out. This might work for now but but i know i wouldnt want to spen 700 for that ****. Let me know how it goes.

broke cable