When I turned on the car tonight and put my foot on the brake to shift into drive (auto) I heard this clicking noise for below the shifter. Everytime I press the brake while the car is in park, you can hear it. I sounds like a loud relay click. The car seemed to run fine. The shift lockouts work (ie. hold brake to shift, reverse lock)

Anyone have an idea what it could be, so I know what to look for when I rip the center console out?

 

That is supposed to happen. Its the Pin(not really a pin but you get the Idea) pulling out allowing you to shift out of park.

 

Why would it all of a sudden be so loud? I never heard it before.

 

Mine is loud too... I usually don't hear it because the pressing of the brake/pressing & shifting of the gear selector are so synchronized that the shifting masks the click.. if however I just toggle the brake pedal switch by gently pressing/releasing the pedal I can hear the distinct click all the time... I don't think its anything to worry about...

 

yea mine does the same, nothing to worry about

 

its a bomb

 

This is called the "Shift-lock Solenoid", and its purpose is to keep the car from disengaging PARK unless the brake is applied. You will know it works by sitting in car and just tapping the break with the key in the "ON" or "ACC" position. When you tap the brake, current flows to the switch and energizes a coil that magnetically retracts the "pin". (this is when you hear the click) This coil/retractor is the solenoid. Loud clicking seems abnormal, but if it remains operational, there should be nothing to worry about.

 

Thanks...

It's so strange how this mechanism became noticably louder. But it works fine.

 

mine started clicking louder a few months ago, then went away. i don't think it's anything to worry about.