when I step on the brake pedal the shift lock should release the shifter
(automatic car 1990 maxima gxe)
I have to use the manual releae buttton located on the shifter.
this is an intermitten problem
I checked the switches that are on the brake pedal
one is for the rear brakes and the other for the shift lever release.
and the relay under the shift lever both are ok

the chiltons book says the brake switch goes to a electronic control

Does anyone know where the control is located?
color? size?
so I can open the controll and solder the board (hoping this would fix the intermitten probem)

 

There are two switches above the brake pedal, one controls brake lights and the other is used for cruise control shutoff. I'm not sure which one is also used for the shift lock system.
The control unit is located in the passenger's side kick panel. Once you take off that panel, it's right there in front of you. Not sure if resoldering will fix it, but it's definitely worth a shot.


edit: it's controlled by the switch which turns on the brake lights (red/white and red/yellow wires or something like that)

 

Mine does the same, very intermittent, actually worked this morning, but I'm sure tomorrow it won't...thinking about clipping off the piece that doesn't allow shifting out of park

 

...speaking of ECU & intermittents: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/748507/14

 

I have the same EXACT issue (which Ive posted about it before) - If anyone finally fixes it, let me know how!!!

 

same here....

 

well i had that problem and i just unscrewed the little actuator that moves the shift lock and i stuck a piece of paper and i jammed it in the open position, now i dont have to worry, unless a little kid gets in and accidently shifts the thing gear then im screwed, and also i took the the Shift lock control unit and glanced at it for and damage and didnt see any but tommorow im goin to resolder the board and see if that helps.

 

Check the fuse for the Shift Lock, pretty sure there is one

 

This may not be much help. But I'd light up th grill and throw the whole 'auto shifter' on it and dance around it. Then go get a 5-speed trans and stuuufff.

 

I have the same problem, tho it just started up again today after you said something! bah I shouldn't hav read it! Oh well

Therealgoon9- are you going to help me foot the bill? Bc thats exactly what I want to do. Or just sell/trade for a manual max.

~Alex

 

Your asking money from someone who is working 70 hours a week for a kid on the way. SHAME ON YOU!

-I'd get a manaul max. Sell it, get a vg with 5-speed. I'd say VE but you won't get those VTC problems on a vg.

 

what VTC problem

 

RealGoon- I was just kidding, I have my own job thats just about egnough for now. I'll probably end up doing a manual swap. Save your money and get that kid a max! ^_^

~Alex

 

I thought this was the shifter bushing? One of the first problems I heard about, I thought you had to open up the shirter, and replace like 4 little things, and it's fairly inexpensive? I've had this problem for a long time - if I step on the brake just righ after a few times it'll unlock - but usually I just use the manual release... which one is the actuator? The silver or colored one?