Strange thing happened to me the other day.

I started my car like normal and went to put the shifter from P to D but I couldn't. Made sure I was pressing the brake pedal and nothing. I was not able to push the button in to move the shifter.

With some trial and error I was able turn the key one click and put it into neutral then start the car and move it into D.

Has this ever happened to anybody else? Is this a sign that something is about to fail on me?

Thanks.

 

Bump...

Anybody?

 

bump....

 

Hm...... not sure what it could be... IIRC there's a connection to the ignition switch that deals with the shift lock, or it could have just physically jammed.... If you're comfortable taking off the shifter trim, take a look inside and see if its all clear...

 

Funny thing is... I was low on gas so after I filled up it started working again like normal.

Probably just a coincidence. But I would still want to find it if this is something that will lead to bigger problems.

Thanks.

 

I had the exact same problem except putting gas the car didn't help. just like you said the shifter wouldn't shift from p to d. I think the shifter button wouldn't really depress at all when it was happening. I would have to keep letting my foot off and on the brake and tryin to squeeze the hell out of the button. It happened a little at first and gradually got worse where i couldn't get it out of park at all. What it ended up being is the shift lock soleniod. If you have spill stuff around your shifter before (which i am sure you have because you have a 95 like me and the cupholders are crap), you might want to get in there under the shifter trim. I finally got the nerve to mess around with it when i couldn't shift anymore. Anyway, look for the little shift lock soleniod think it was on the right side of the assembly under there. The Hayes manual will give you some pics but not very helpful at taking it off. Just two little philips screws, tiny. You will see some little shift rods and such. Fiddle around with it to see the mechanics of the thing. What this shift lock thingy does is it has a magnet inside and when you step on the brake the magnet is energized and it pulls back on the mechanism allowing you to pull the shifter into drive. My little shift rods were all caked in coagulated soda and such so i got a toothbrush and cleaned in there. Also took the shift lock thingy out and cleaned it however when i put it back in it still didn't work like it should. With just a couple presses of the brake this thing was gettin pretty hot like the elecronics of it were shot. I took this thing out, couldn't find a replacement. All the thing is for is to not allow you to shift into drive (or reverse) without stepping on the brake. Just like manual tranny drivers have to put their foot on the clutch when starting if the car is in gear. Take it out if it causes you too much trouble. Or better yet clean the hell out of that area now to keep it from frying. Hope this helps sorry so long.

 

Holy thats a long post.

Just try shaking the wheel and trying again, it happens sometimes. That, or you spilled something and can try to clean it. I wouldnt worry about it.