How to Troubleshoot a Car Locked In Park

Since the early 1990s all cars have come equipped with something called a park-brake interlock. This prevents the transmission from leaving park without putting pressure on the brake. The system consists of a switch on the brake pedal and a solenoid that locks the shifter in park. If either one of these fails then the car can get stuck in park and left stranded in a driveway or parking lot. Fortunately there are a couple of common things that cause the interlock to stop working that may be solvable without an expensive visit to a repair shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Solvent cleaner (like alcohol)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start the engine. Press firmly on the brake while wiggling the shifter from side to side.

    • 2

      Remove the console surrounding the shifter. It is usually very easy although you may need to use the screwdriver to lift an edge or remove a clip.

    • 3

      Look inside the shifter mechanism for any sticky substance. Often when drinks are spilled on the console they seep down into the shifter mechanism and make the interlock solenoid sticky, meaning that it sticks closed when you press the brake and the car won't come out of park.

    • 4

      Remove any sticky substance with the alcohol. Start the engine, press the brake and try to move the shifter out of park. If it still does not move then there may be another issue with the interlock.

    • 5

      Examine the shifter for a release button that will allow you to move the vehicle out of park so it can be taken to a repair shop. It is usually hidden under a small flap or cover that will have to be lifted with a small screwdriver.

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