Trixie and I had a nice discussion about this on our way back from Carlisle. My '97 has always worked this way. Hers however, works correctly.
in my '86, the function was similar, but the release was vacuum operated via a device on the steering column that interfaced with the shifter. it eventually leaked, and I disconnected it.
I have never researched the problem in the mark. of course the cable is broken right now anyway.. soo....
I just looke dover the Ford manual diagnostic routine. It seems ot always point to a ground or open in the control circuit. Could also be a bad control motor.