My car (automatic transmission) will not move from the park shift. First i put the key in the shift unlock but nothing so then i checked the break lights but they were working. then i checked the fuses and relays and everything was fine. after that i removed the middle console and checked the solenoid and it worked fine too. now im very frustrated and im hoping it is not the transmission. any ideas? help will be very appreciated. thank you.

 

If the console unlock will not work (purely mechanical), the something is wrong w/ the shift lock lever mechanism in the console. You should be able to contact the lever, depress further and release. If not, the mechanism is jammed and can't be released mechanically or w/ solenoid action.

Suggest downloading a manual (Online Manuals in DIY Section) to see the pics and how to adjust.

good luck

 

well after trying and trying i eventually put enough force to shift it out of park and now its shifts smoothly. thanks for your help. but it makes me wonder why was it jammed tight for so long. could it be transmission oil? or is the line from the lever to the transmission faulty? i wanna tackle the problem before it happens again. yesterday was no fun it left me stranded 2 towns away at 3:45am

 

Most likely explanation is the mechanical parts are dirty/sticky and difficult to move. This can easily happen in a console due to spilled soft drinks. Suggest removing console, cleaning w/ brake cleaner, and relubing w/ a good spray-on lube (a durable spray-on not thin like WD40). Check adjustment gap on solenoid actuator.

good luck

 

thanks

 

Depending on what you find (when you dismantle the console), another possibility is a corroded shift cable.