MaxFan

My 2004SE has 107000miles. Today I think it has a stucked park-brake interlock solenoid (the Brake switch is still working). I can't get the Shifter to go gears.
So now I'm driving with a screwdriver in the Shift-Lock bypass hole.
What would be the cost to replace ? Anyone has a suggestion ?
Thanks.

DAlastDON

If your brake lights still work then the brake switch is good. Next culprit is the shift-lock solenoid in the shifter assembly. Take it apart and see if there is voltage present when the brakes are applied to shift out of park.

Parking brake has nothing to do with gear selection BTW.

acercomp71

It's a blown fuse, don't remember which one though, search here on forums or online, you will find it eventually

DAlastDON

Are you thinking of the 10amp fuse under the dash in location #20 for the brake lights?

MaxFan

Thanks for all the suggestions.
First thing I checked was the brake light, so I knew it's not the brake-switch ---> so it should not be the fuse --> must be the solenoid.
I don't eat nor drink in the car, so it should not sticky due to foreign object.
My mechanic said it would cost $31 for the solenoid. But the kicker is it would take 2.5-3 hours for labor --> estimate is <$150 for the fix. Man, why do they make it so difficult for such a replacement ? The part has to be special-ordered, so I have to live with the screwdriver-fix until next week.

DAlastDON

About $30 with after shipping.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/34970-s...4-p-92411.html

Never changed it but it does not look hard to get to. Probably a simple 30 minute job with simple tools.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/maxima-...2732_2751.html

acercomp71

No I was referring to a fuse for the transmission lock. It has nothing to do with brake light. If the fuse is blown, solenoid has no current, therefore, it will not engage. I do not remember which fuse it is, if you want to go easy route, pull fuses one by one and visually inspect them. Make sure you remove the keys from ignition or you may trip CEL while pulling fuses

acercomp71

Many people do not realize that there is a fuse in shifter lock circuit and blame brake switch or shifter lock solenoid when shifter gets stuck in "park", Yes it is possible that either switch or solenoid failed, but check on fuses first. Check#12, 19, 20, and 21.

DAlastDON

If fuse #20(Stop Lamp) is blown then there will be no brake lights as the switch on the brake pedal now receives no power to send to the brake lights, PNP switch, or the shift lock solenoid. You contradict yourself below.

Do you still think it has nothing to do with the brake lights?

Even more do not realize that when certain fuses blow, it cuts power to multiple systems. Fuse #12 and #19(both labeled electronic parts) also supply power to the Unified AC Amp. No power to that would cause things like gauges or indicator lights not to work. Check them anyway for good measure. #21 is for the interior lights and has no relation to the shift lock solenoid but when in doubt pull them all out.

I agree with you though about checking the fuses first, but you need to know which ones. OP check both the fuses for "Electronic Parts" and the one for "Stop Lamp".

MaxFan

Thanks for all the suggestions.
I didn't think it was any fuses, since everything else is working. A multifunction fuse would blow a few other things.
I went ahead to check the fuses anyway and none was bad.
Nowadays, I'm no-longer adventurous with spending hours fixing things (getting old).
So will just let the friendly mechanic earn his livings.

acercomp71

As far as I remember, when my shifter would no go out of "park", brake lights would still work just fine. In fact, everything else worked just fine. The only problem was shift lock. I honestly am not sure though, don't take my word, it was few years ago. Anyway, I simply pulled all fuses one by one, and found one that was burnt. But hey, OP says all fuses are good, so the problem lays elsewhere anyway, perhaps, brake pedal switch or solenoid itself.
Speaking of switch, when I had a '97, it was a total PITA to replace, not sure if it is any easier on 6th gen.

Jmax69

There is a white box in the fuse box area, that has a bolt on it remove that bolt and replace the "shift box" 9/10, that "shift assy control" is the problem its notorious for failing in the 6th gen maxima. It's also an occurrence on the murano forums.

MaxFan

It was the cause of my problem, a 15minute job.
At first, they thought it was the solenoid which is a much tougher job.