When getting ready to drive your car you may have found that it struggles or refuses to move out of park.
Gear shifter problems like this can be frustrating and even alarming, especially if you have somewhere to be or it forces you to rely on a tow truck.
What causes gear shifter problems?
So, what can keep a car from shifting out of park? Here are several possible causes:
- Ignition switch going bad
- Sticking shift interlock solenoid
- Brake light switch issues
- Parking pawl
- Open circuit on interlock solenoid
Ignition switch going bad: To get the car out of park, a couple of things need to be achieved. Most vehicles have to be in the “on” or “accessory” positions, or they must be started. If your ignition switch isn’t sending that signal, it’s not going to let that interlock release.
Open circuit on interlock solenoid: The interlock solenoid having an open circuit is also a possible reason why a shifter remains in park.
Brake light switch issues: There may be a problem with the brake light switch. If this component is malfunctioning, it can impact the gear shifter. That’s because the vehicle has trouble understanding when you press on the brake pedal.
Parking pawl: This is a tooth or pin that stops the transmission from moving, causing it to park.
Sticking shift interlock solenoid: If you’re finding it difficult to move the shifter from park, it could have something to do with the shift interlock solenoid. When it becomes stuck, you may not be able to change gears. If the solenoid is at fault, the gear shift assembly might need to be replaced.
Diagnosing shifting issues
In most cases when a gear shifter won’t come out of park, step one of the diagnostic process involves getting underneath the vehicle to see where the shift lever is. Our technicians might need to manually shift it into neutral to push it into the bay.
Then, we would need to go down the interlock tree. Older technicians are going to eliminate electricity from mechanical with the bypass. If they can use the bypass, that means the transmission will manually shift.
Then, they can see if something is wrong with the shifter or the interlock system. Each component, including the brake switch and ignition switch, are tested separately. A lot of times, to really check the interlock system you need to remove the middle console.
This procedure can change depending on whether it’s a car, truck or four-wheel drive vehicle. That matters because of where everything is located.
If we’re working on a vehicle where the technicians aren’t able to get underneath or reach down to shift it, the car may need to be towed into the bay.
Gear shifter maintenance
Gear shifter problems can occur without warning.
While some issues can’t be completely avoided, basic maintenance could help. This includes keeping the shifter clean. Try not to spill soda or coffee in this area, and make sure to wipe it down every once in a while.
How you shift may also have an impact. If you slam it into gear or are being reckless, it’s going to wear it out prematurely.
If you notice the shifter has trouble coming out of park once or twice, go ahead and reach out to an automotive expert.
Sometimes, a part just breaks and it can be night and day from time to time. In most cases, however, gear shifter problems happen gradually.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.