Paul R

Looking for help with automatic tranny shift lever lock on my wife's '90 SE. It worked off and on for several years, now doesn't work at all. We have to depress the unlock button manually to get the shift lever our of Park. When it worked, I always heard a soft click when pressing the brake pedal -- the click was the lock going off. One dealer told me the shift linkage was probably worn out and should all be replaced -- he was guessing and we didn't do for that solution. My guess is there is an electric activated switch somewhere. Can anyone assist?

Paul R

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

There's a small solenoid on the bottom of the shift lever.. that's the clicking noise you hear. the other end of it is a switch on the brake pedal itself. try cleaning the switch contacts or replacing the switch. if that doesn't work, take the solenoid and manually feed it +12V and ground and see if it works. if so, then it's a wiring problem. if not, then replace the solenoid.


the bushings are also common to go wear out on these cars, but that's not the same problem you're having. if the bushings were bad, you'd have to pull the car down into "2" instead of "D" to get it in drive.