Hi,
I am first time poster. I have a 1997 Honda Accord Ex 4 cyl, auto with 120k miles
Just recently, its been taking quite a few tries to release the shifter from Park into Reverse or Drive. Not sure why. I have to repeatedly squeeze the button on the shifter, while pumping the break petal, and eventually it releases.
Was wondering if anyone had any ideas on why?

Thanks again!

Brian

 

welcome to the forum! it could be either the button on the shifter is sticking for some reason or the brake release switch, try holding the switch down and trying to shift (when it's stuck) and then slowly pump the brakes, if it all of the sudden releases it may be a bad brake switch, to test it you'll find the switch under the dash around the top of the brake pedal arm and you can then jumper the two wires (giving the signal that the brake is depressed) and see if you can shift just fine then, if you can then you know your problem! Hope this helps

 

try a quick test.........when you cannot get car out of park, have someone step on the brakes and see if the brale lites work,, if not most likely a bad brake switch like Nasty said... also blow the horn, if it works the fuse is ok,, brake lites and horn share the same fuse

 

Thanks again for your help.

In the meantime, I will just use a key to manually depress the shift release until I can figure it out.
I just don't want to to invest major $$ in a fix, and I know the dealer can kill you on that sort of thing.

regards,
Brian

 

Thanks again for your help.

In the meantime, I will just use a key to manually depress the shift release until I can figure it out.
I just don't want to to invest major $$ in a fix, and I know the dealer can kill you on that sort of thing.

regards,
Brian

 

this is something you can easily diagnose and fix yourself if it's just that switch, I'm talking like $30.00 for a part and 30 minutes of your time... check the brake lights like desert said and go from there, don't pay someone to do this we'll take you through it

 

OK--I just check the brake lights..and they are working
Next step---I will follow your steps looking at the brake pedal and try jumping the wires.

PS: What was that $30 part you suggested?

thanks again,
Brian