Help! Can't shift into Park.
#1
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Help! Can't shift into Park.
![Help](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/help.gif)
I've got a 94 GXE auto.
Got to work today and went to put it in Park. Got up to R and there was a click and the button on the side of the shifter popped back out. I can not push it in to get the car into Park.
The car runs fine in D and R. Is this a shifter bushing problem? I know mine was worn out but what would that have to do with the button on the side of the shifter?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can't get the keys out of the ignition so the car is sitting in the parking lot with the keys in it (secure parking area at work thank goodness).
Bryan.
#3
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Ok, thanks.
That occurred to me when I got inside. I've used it to get the car OUT of Park but never into. Guess it's the same principle.![got me](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/ne_nau.gif)
Found a couple of people with similar problems doing a search but no real good answers (bushings, maybe solenoid). Guess I will replace the bushings and see if that helps.
That occurred to me when I got inside. I've used it to get the car OUT of Park but never into. Guess it's the same principle.
![got me](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/ne_nau.gif)
Found a couple of people with similar problems doing a search but no real good answers (bushings, maybe solenoid). Guess I will replace the bushings and see if that helps.
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
a lot of times its gunk built up on the switch that pops. happened to my 94 gxe. it was from soda being spilled in there. my dad owned it before me. and it was fine for maybe, 4 months? then i couldn't put it in park. and you have to put it in neutral in order to start it. so take apart the console and clean the switch area and put some wd40 in there.
#5
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
No way. It couldn't possibly be that easy. Life just doesn't work that way. But I'll give it a try first.
No go. Couldn't get it into P using the shift lock button. Tried the release on the ignition but couldn't get that to work either. I think I'm doing that one wrong though. Gonna go reread that post.
Originally Posted by internetautomar
try using the shift lock button at the base of the shifter.
other than that![got me](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/ne_nau.gif)
other than that
![got me](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/ne_nau.gif)
![Frown](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
#7
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Ok, took off the console cover. I sprayed a little WD40 in there but I don't think it's a "gunk" problem. I can see the little rod that goes up and down when you push the button on the side of the shifter. I can push it far enough in to get the car into Reverse but I cannot push the button in any farther to get it into Park. The little rod needs to go down further to get into Park.
It's like there is something hard that is blocking it. I removed the two screws on the front of the shifter and removed the button itself. Interesting to see how it goes together but not particularly useful in solving my problem.
What I really need is to see how a functioning shifter is working. Looks like I will need to disassemble the whole thing - remove the 4 screws that hold it down.
Good news is I figured out the release on the ignition so I can remove my keys without having to be in Park.
It's like there is something hard that is blocking it. I removed the two screws on the front of the shifter and removed the button itself. Interesting to see how it goes together but not particularly useful in solving my problem.
What I really need is to see how a functioning shifter is working. Looks like I will need to disassemble the whole thing - remove the 4 screws that hold it down.
Good news is I figured out the release on the ignition so I can remove my keys without having to be in Park.
#9
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Ok, that makes sense. But how does that work? When you push down on the brake pedal it releases something right? How do the brake pedal and the shifter interact? What is the mechanism?
Am I looking at a trip to the dealer?
Am I looking at a trip to the dealer?
#10
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Shift Interlock System. Found some diagrams of Toyota's but nothing on the Maxima.
Don't suppose anybody knows what kind is on the Maxima or how it works?
Looks like Toyotas have 3 kinds: electrical, electrical/mechanical or mechanical.
Don't suppose anybody knows what kind is on the Maxima or how it works?
Looks like Toyotas have 3 kinds: electrical, electrical/mechanical or mechanical.
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
test it. with everything off. sit in your car. push down on the pedal. u should hear a click. if u don't. thats your problem:-p the first time it happened I had it done at a local shop and he charged me 30$. and he told me what it was. the 2nd time i whipped around a turn and my d and d coffee spilt down in there. i took it apart myself and cleaned it. vwahlah. its pretty straight foward. disassemble. clean, reassemble. should need a diagram. if its Broken. time for a Stealership visit.
#12
Since this is related.
My shifter is fine and all but today on my way to school I accidentaly hit the shift and it put me into Neutral. I thought that was kinda wierd that the shifter would be that sensitive. My aunts auto dosnt do that. So I was just wondering if maybe something is broken possibly??
Well Thankyou!
My shifter is fine and all but today on my way to school I accidentaly hit the shift and it put me into Neutral. I thought that was kinda wierd that the shifter would be that sensitive. My aunts auto dosnt do that. So I was just wondering if maybe something is broken possibly??
Well Thankyou!
#13
Originally Posted by saxytothemaxima
Since this is related.
My shifter is fine and all but today on my way to school I accidentaly hit the shift and it put me into Neutral. I thought that was kinda wierd that the shifter would be that sensitive. My aunts auto dosnt do that. So I was just wondering if maybe something is broken possibly??
Well Thankyou!
My shifter is fine and all but today on my way to school I accidentaly hit the shift and it put me into Neutral. I thought that was kinda wierd that the shifter would be that sensitive. My aunts auto dosnt do that. So I was just wondering if maybe something is broken possibly??
Well Thankyou!
![Smilie](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#14
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
I believe I found the definitive Shift Interlock thread if you do ever have a problem
http://forums.maxima.org/oldthread.php?t=189092
But yeah, mine pops into Neutral pretty easily too.
Thanks heresmymind, you set me on the right course.
http://forums.maxima.org/oldthread.php?t=189092
But yeah, mine pops into Neutral pretty easily too.
Thanks heresmymind, you set me on the right course.
Last edited by Greeny; 11-13-2007 at 07:35 PM.
#17
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Thanks a million man!! This will most definitely help. Listened to it today and there is definitely no clicking whatsoever when you press the brake pedal, but the brake lights do work.
I'll get after it this weekend and post the results if I can figure it out.
I'll get after it this weekend and post the results if I can figure it out.
#18
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
WARNING! Noob question ahead (like this whole thread hasn't been right?).
How do you get the part of the shifter assembly off that has the letters (P, R, N, D...) written on it. It's attached with 4 screws but how do you get it away from the shift lever itself?
I need to get access to the solenoid and wiring harness at the base of the shift lever.
Any help would be much appreciated.
How do you get the part of the shifter assembly off that has the letters (P, R, N, D...) written on it. It's attached with 4 screws but how do you get it away from the shift lever itself?
I need to get access to the solenoid and wiring harness at the base of the shift lever.
Any help would be much appreciated.
#19
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Don't mean to be a pest. Just a quick bump before I throw in the towel.
Before I take it in, anybody know the best way to get access to the base of the A/T shifter once you get that cover off that just pops out?
I can't do squat with the solenoid until I get that piece off that surrounds the shifter. I don't want to force anything and screw something up.
Before I take it in, anybody know the best way to get access to the base of the A/T shifter once you get that cover off that just pops out?
I can't do squat with the solenoid until I get that piece off that surrounds the shifter. I don't want to force anything and screw something up.
#20
The shifter light harness needs to be removed before you can slide the cover further up the shifter neck..
![](http://uploader.ws/upload/200701/shifter_light_1.jpg)
These are a few videos i made on how the shift lock mechanism is supposed to work in park when you press the brake...
Shift lock selonoid....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMSvwXDT6HY
This one is how the shifter button on the stalk works when pushed in...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udh-22sgIR0
Sorry for the crappy quality,old digi camera ftl..
![](http://uploader.ws/upload/200701/shifter_light_1.jpg)
These are a few videos i made on how the shift lock mechanism is supposed to work in park when you press the brake...
Shift lock selonoid....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMSvwXDT6HY
This one is how the shifter button on the stalk works when pushed in...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udh-22sgIR0
Sorry for the crappy quality,old digi camera ftl..
![Frown](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
#21
Originally Posted by crabapple
![Help](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/help.gif)
I've got a 94 GXE auto.
Got to work today and went to put it in Park. Got up to R and there was a click and the button on the side of the shifter popped back out. I can not push it in to get the car into Park.
The car runs fine in D and R. Is this a shifter bushing problem? I know mine was worn out but what would that have to do with the button on the side of the shifter?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can't get the keys out of the ignition so the car is sitting in the parking lot with the keys in it (secure parking area at work thank goodness).
Bryan.
#24
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Right now I'm basically DWP (Driving Without Park). I leave it in neutral and use the key release button that's by the ignition to get the keys out.
Mygreenmax has come through big time (thanks again sir!!
) and I will get out and try to take care of the shift lock when the weather is less sh1tty and I have some time.
Mygreenmax has come through big time (thanks again sir!!
![ThumbsUp](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#25
Supporting Maxima.org Member
![](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/support.gif)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 191
Ok, it's fixed. Just had to get in there and manually move the switch and solenoid to get the shifter into Park. After that everything's back to normal - solenoid "clicks" when I depress the brake so no need to replace anything.
Thanks everybody for the great input and special thanks to Mygreenmax
for the invaluable diagrams and video.
Thanks everybody for the great input and special thanks to Mygreenmax
![clap](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/clap.gif)
#27
Originally Posted by crabapple
Right now I'm basically DWP (Driving Without Park). I leave it in neutral and use the key release button that's by the ignition to get the keys out.
Mygreenmax has come through big time (thanks again sir!!
) and I will get out and try to take care of the shift lock when the weather is less sh1tty and I have some time.
Mygreenmax has come through big time (thanks again sir!!
![ThumbsUp](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#28
Originally Posted by saxytothemaxima
Ive noticed clicking when I start my Max. I found out it was the shifter.. Whats would this be? I watched that video and it sounds like the shift lock selonoid. Can you help me please?
But it sounds like you said that yours clicks its head off whenever it feels like it when you start your car? Like, machine-gun-speed, right? Mine did that sometimes, but usually the solenoid relay (passenger kick panel, larger green relay, the other is the A/C relay) wouldn't release it so I took it out to look at it. It's on my desk right now, about 6 inches away from my mouse, but it wasn't doing its job anyhow so I figured what's the point.
#29
Originally Posted by crabapple
![Help](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/help.gif)
I've got a 94 GXE auto.
Got to work today and went to put it in Park. Got up to R and there was a click and the button on the side of the shifter popped back out. I can not push it in to get the car into Park.
The car runs fine in D and R. Is this a shifter bushing problem? I know mine was worn out but what would that have to do with the button on the side of the shifter?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can't get the keys out of the ignition so the car is sitting in the parking lot with the keys in it (secure parking area at work thank goodness).
Bryan.
#30
Originally Posted by crabapple
Ok, it's fixed. Just had to get in there and manually move the switch and solenoid to get the shifter into Park. After that everything's back to normal - solenoid "clicks" when I depress the brake so no need to replace anything.
Thanks everybody for the great input and special thanks to Mygreenmax
for the invaluable diagrams and video.
Thanks everybody for the great input and special thanks to Mygreenmax
![clap](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/clap.gif)
#31
Originally Posted by saxytothemaxima
Since this is related.
My shifter is fine and all but today on my way to school I accidentaly hit the shift and it put me into Neutral. I thought that was kinda wierd that the shifter would be that sensitive. My aunts auto dosnt do that. So I was just wondering if maybe something is broken possibly??
Well Thankyou!
My shifter is fine and all but today on my way to school I accidentaly hit the shift and it put me into Neutral. I thought that was kinda wierd that the shifter would be that sensitive. My aunts auto dosnt do that. So I was just wondering if maybe something is broken possibly??
Well Thankyou!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Unclejunebug
5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)
10
04-02-2016 05:42 AM
hayne
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
2
10-05-2015 11:53 AM