follyburr

As the title says, this has been happening for a few months. When I stop the car to park it, I can't shift past Neutral, so I can't actually put it into Reverse or Park. Sometimes I just have to turn off the car in Neutral then turn it on, once it worked by turning off the car in neutral and putting key in ACC, other times I have to wait a while I googled this and have seen one similar post and they say it is the "shift linkage". I am not sure what to do. Any advise is greatly appreciated. BTW, I don't think it is the transmission but if you need to know it is a 5 speed that hasn't given me any trouble. Thanks in advance

NC00DEK

Check the brake switch and shift interlock solenoid

In a pinch, you can use the shift lock release button to put it into park.

If it won't shift into park when using the shift lock release button, then could be a sign of bound linkage in the shifter.

This thread references a similar problem with solution;
Check here

follyburr

thank you for the reply. I will check the brake switch. I will also be on the lookout for a shift interlock solenoid next time I'm at the junkyard. In the mean time, I will carry use the shift lock release button. I wasn't sure what to do with the cover, but now I know I can "pry" it off .

Costee

The shift lock solenoid is an integral part of the shift lever assembly. But perhaps a more likely culprit is the Shift Lock Control Unit (part#28540-7Y00A) located under the dash to the right-hand side of the fuse box.

NC00DEK

I think you are correct. The link to that thread references the exact same issue this vehicle is having and that it was only solved once that part was replaced. I had no idea what it was called. Could also be found at the local yard

follyburr

Thanks for the tip. Does it make a difference if one of the times I couldn't go past Neutral I heard a click somewhere then I was able to shift into Reverse and Park? I only remember hearing that because I didn't have any music playing, so I don't know if that happens every time I can't shift past Neutral.

Costee

If by the click you're suspecting a mechanical issue, I'd say it's unlikely as the system is electrically controlled by the shift lock control unit.

follyburr

Okay, Thanks for the info. I'll stay on the lookout for this part and the others suggested next time I'm at the junkyard.

follyburr

I forgot to post an update. I went to the pick a part and found a shift control unit. I paid $8 for it. They charged it as a relay. I replaced mine with the "new" one and problem fixed. I went about a week using a screw driver to press the shift release lock. Thanks again! I really appreciate it.