BrentHamm

iTrader: (15)

I have had my 98 auto for a few months. Ever since i got it, i have had this problem. I cannot shift it into gear from park. I have to really really push the button hard and fiddle with the shifter. This happens about 5% of the time. Today it was so bad, i could not leave the repair shop. They worked on it a bit, and said the was the top handle part.

Anyways...i left with out the handle part on. Seemed to work ok. But....tonight..it got stuck again. This time i was able to shift out of park after trying for a bit.

So..i just took the console off, but cannot see anything immediatly wrong.

Any ideas?

I might just try lubing everything that moves a bit..see if that helps.

THanks.!

Camaro396

iTrader: (14)

put a m6 in it.

BrentHamm

iTrader: (15)

Haha...

You mean, tonight?

performabuilt2

make sure that there is not alot of crap down there from spilling drinks into the console from the crappy drink holders

FLT

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like the shifter is shot. There is a rod that goes from the button down to the shifter locking piece that sounds like it is broke. Take a close look and I believe you will find it. Vince

BrentHamm

iTrader: (15)

YOu mean the white plastic piece? I do not think that is broken.

I took the console off and lubed everything. Did not help any. But, i think the problem has something to so with the brake. I think the brake is not releasing it correctly to allow it to shift. Or not consistently.

Not sure what to do next.

performabuilt2

the solenoid gets gummed up and will not actuate clean the solenoid offf with alcohol

BrentHamm

iTrader: (15)

It only happens when shiting out of Park...i just realized after driving around for a bit.

Where is the solenoid? What does it look like (excuse my ignorance)

SHOPDOG

Is your brake switch working properly? Are you sure that you are getting a signal to the solenoid at the shifter?

BrentHamm

iTrader: (15)

No..can't say i am sure. How would i tell?

SHOPDOG

Do you own a meter?

BrentHamm

iTrader: (15)

I can borrow one from a neighbour. I do have a current tester (screwdriver with a light).

Johnny@Xtreme_Trans

iTrader: (2)

The most common problem with the shifter is the shift interlock solenoid sticking, usually because of drinks spilled on shifter area or just a faulty solenoid. The solenoid is found under the console. The shift intelock solenoid is made so you cannot shift out of park unless you step on the brake pedal. When you step on the brake the brake light switch sends a signal to the shift interlock to deactivate it. Try cleaning the shift interlock rod with WD-40. If that does'nt work, you can disconnect the shift interlock rod from the shifter, and it wont get locked in park anymore, but you will be able to shift out of park even if you are not stepping on the brake. Hope this helps.

BrentHamm

iTrader: (15)

Perfect. I will try this tomorrow!

I love this place!

Gilbert@Ace Racing

Shift Interlock systems are known to fail frequently, on all makes and models. Take a look at that system and I am sure you'll find the issue.

g

FormulaZ

iTrader: (1)

Did it work or you get it fixed? Having the same prob myself.

FormulaZ

iTrader: (1)

Did a little cleaning using that diagram and it seemed to work.

Qcon

iTrader: (11)

I'm not terribly mechanically inclined, but I'm having fun learning. Is it a mechanical part that needs to be disconnected or an electrical connection? I pulled the electrical harness out (the one by the circled part on the diagram), which solved the shift problem, but couldn't start the engine, so that must not be the right part to disconnect. Thanks.

Johnny@Xtreme_Trans

iTrader: (2)

The mechanical part (rod), not the electrical.

Qcon

iTrader: (11)

Does the part just snap off? It looks like it's attached to a bracket attached to the shifter by a pin surrounded by plastic and a foam spacer. I didn't want to pry too hard and end up breaking something.

Also, is there a trick to getting the shift **** (A4) off? I pulled the U-pin out, but it still wouldn't budge.

Thanks again.