Shifter stuck in park

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dmazzotta

10 Year
Joined
Aug 23, 2014
Threads
2
Messages
19
Location
Alpharetta, GA
I was testing some wires with a light tester in my center console/shifter (looking for the reverse wire to connect to a new head unit/backup camera) and all of a sudden I can't shift out of park.

I realize I'm a bit of a noob, but I searched thoroughly and tested all the usual hits... Stop and tail fuses... Brake lights/bulbs are working... Reverse light bulbs are working. I am able to shift if I use the manual release with a screwdriver, but I can't seem to fix the issue. Thoughts?
 
This little plug initially tested with power on my light tester, but now it does not test with any power. Not sure if that helps explain it.

image.webp
 
I know if your brake light fuse is blown you will not be able to shift. Not sure what your issue is but as a temporary fix there is a little blank in front if the shifter on left side. Pull that blank push an Allen wrench or something similar in there and you will be able to shift.
 
Thanks for the reply. I mentioned that I was able to use the manual release, but I want to fix it. I am starting to think that maybe I did something to the solenoid, since all of my lights are working and my fuses have all been replaced. Would I have fried the solenoid if I inadvertantly touched it with the light tester or is it not that sensitive?
 
All fuses were good... I checked them several times, and ended up replacing them just incase. The brake lights and the reverse lights come on when initiated, so its not the builds (or the fuses). I guess that narrows it down to the solenoid or the brake switch? Am I missing any other obvious solution?
 
Is the 4hi/ lo shifter in neutral? I think it happens when it's not in 4hi or lo. Maybe I'm imagining things
 
Any resolution on this? I have the same issue and so far in the threads I have searched they all just end the same, no post of the solution! As with you, all fuses and bulbs are good. Going to check the brake switch I guess.
 
The device that ultimately blocks shifting is the brake safety interlock solenoid. If all else checks out try powering/not powering the solenoid directly. It will be right at the shift linkage connection to the shifter.
 
There are 3 fuses to check first. 15 amp CIG; 15 amp ECU-IG; 10 amp STOP, all located in the fuse box by the driver's left knee. Check fuses with a meter, not your eyeballs.
Make sure your brake lights work when you step on the pedal.
There is a shift lock ECU under the center console (small circuit board with some logic and a relay). Make sure connections are not corroded from old spilled sodas over the last 25 years.
There is also a ground point under the center console. Make sure it is in good shape.
Make sure the release solenoid plunger moves freely and is not stuck in place by dried sugary drinks.
 
Pulled off the center console and fired up to see how the solenoid works. I watched the actuator activate and I could move the shifter. Then the solenoid started randomly locking and unlocking. I'll see if I can attach a video. (Edit: didn't work)



Bad solenoid or short? Going to dig into the FSM and EWD but if anyone has a suggestion on where to start I would be much obliged! [emoji51]
 
The ground looks clean. I'm a total noob to multimeters, but got a good resistance (as in low resistance) through the actual solenoid. Then I measured the voltage in the connector from the "shift lock computer" to the solenoid by holding the probes against the two prongs... Hmm, just realized I should put one probe to one connector and ground the other probe to measure volts. Any how, the volts were all over the place with the brake pedal depressed. Makes me think it's a bad signal from the "computer". Pic of the computer attached!
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439676931.659901.webp
 
I recently fixed the same issue on my truck. Only to find out that I had a bad connection on my trailer plug wires after I re installed them after my rear bumper install.

I pulled the solenoid as well and I thought it was burnt. It was working fine.

Good luck!
 
Thanks! I'll keep searching for a short, I feel like that is the issue, just going to have to trial and error it out... And sorry for the total thread hijack dmazzotta! Hopefully this thread can help out some others with the issue.
 
That doesn't look right

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439696565.844970.webp


This one has two thicker green wires that run up the shift lever. I'm guessing it has to do with the lock release button?

And for the record, I can't seem to find anything in the EWD that shows this ECU-B set up.
 
ihatecrashing said:
That doesn't look right

View attachment 1120592

This one has two thicker green wires that run up the shift lever. I'm guessing it has to do with the lock release button?

And for the record, I can't seem to find anything in the EWD that shows this ECU-B set up.
Click to expand...
Page 86 and 87 in the SHIFT LOCK section of the EWD.
ShiftLock.webp

ShiftLock2.webp
 
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