Can't Move Shifter From PARK!
03-17-2014, 09:16 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NM
Posts: 2
Can't Move Shifter From PARK!
help!
My 2002 GT Auto will not move from PARK. The button on the shift lever doesn't seem to go in as far as usual and moving the car from PARK is impossible.
In case you are wondering, my foot is on the brake and the car is running.
Thanks!
Rick
My 2002 GT Auto will not move from PARK. The button on the shift lever doesn't seem to go in as far as usual and moving the car from PARK is impossible.
In case you are wondering, my foot is on the brake and the car is running.
Thanks!
Rick
03-17-2014, 01:46 PM
#3
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
It's possible the parking brake pawl in the tranny is jammed in there tight. It can happen when you only use the transmission to park the car. All of the weight of the car is crammed against this little 3/8" dowel stuck into the gears of the tranny.
Anyways, with the car OFF, and the e-brake released, try to rock the car back and forth. It should roll an inch or so back or forth. If it doesn't budge, that's the problem. If it's really stuck you may need to have someone push/pull you back or forth to get it to release.
If the car moves back and forth then the pawl is not stuck which means you should try to manually release the tranny from Park.
Next to the shifter there is a little plastic round or rectangular cap with a notch in it. Remove the notched cover with a penny or a key. Push the Key of the car into the hole while pushing the button and trying to move the shifter.
03-17-2014, 02:16 PM
#4
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 1,214
No, what I read said the brake light switch was used to activate the shifter release system. I don't remember the early models having the release next to the shifter and my 02 is not with me right now to look at.
The neutral safety switch is involved it the starting of the car, not the shifting of the lever once the car is started. The brake peddle must be pressed to allow the shifter to move.
The neutral safety switch is involved it the starting of the car, not the shifting of the lever once the car is started. The brake peddle must be pressed to allow the shifter to move.
Last edited by AzPete; 03-17-2014 at 02:23 PM.
03-19-2014, 05:57 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NM
Posts: 2
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
I first checked for brake lights. None.
Then checked fuses 33 & 41 (both brakes). They were good.
I then began to check the brake light switch. MAN! That is not easy to get to....lie back down over the door-sill. Ouch! Room enough to get one hand up in there.
There was a broken wire on the connector that snaps to the safety switch. They stock the $11 part at NAPA. All done!
I first checked for brake lights. None.
Then checked fuses 33 & 41 (both brakes). They were good.
I then began to check the brake light switch. MAN! That is not easy to get to....lie back down over the door-sill. Ouch! Room enough to get one hand up in there.
There was a broken wire on the connector that snaps to the safety switch. They stock the $11 part at NAPA. All done!
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