Where is the neutral safety switch located on a 2001 Ford Escort?

The switch is located in the transmission case , and you should have the linkage checked 1st to make sure , its not in a bind

Most newer cars do not allow you to shift out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied first. Make sure your stoplights are working when the brake pedal is depressed. At our shop many times we have found a broken wire to the stoplight switch. There is a shift solenoid on the gearshift and unless is activated by the brake pedal circuit you will not be able to get it out of Park. Some cars have a small slot near the gearshift that allows you to insert a small screwdriver into the slot to overide the solenoid so that it can be shifted manually. The neutral safety switch only prevents you from starting the car in gear and works your backup lights so this part should not really come into play as being a problem..