1992 Ford Escort stuck in park

Can anyone help? The car has not been driven for several months. I replaced the battery and after the car was started, the shifter wouldn come out of park. It felt like it had some give, but I didnt force it too hard.

Any help will do, thanks!
Check that the brake lights work. I think you have the shift lock if not depressing the brakes and usually is sensing the brake lights. I'm not quite sure but this may be mostly a Mazda and how they did it.

Problem is frquently a brake light swich, T

Ps: Does this car have an override which may get you going but if the brake lights don't work you should fix that now