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I turned on my car (2000 Saturn LS), pressed on the break and tried to shift out of PARK and into DRIVE. The gear shift button wouldnt even press in. I had my dad take a look at it and he had to rock the car back and forth and while yanking on the gear shifter before it shifted into DRIVE. From there, I was able to drive to my moms, put it in REVERSE and NEUTRAL without any problem shifting. Once I put my car back into PARK, it again wouldnt let me shift into another gear. I dont understand why it is just the PARK gear that is giving me problems. What is the possible problems and what would be my best bet for getting it repaired?

Tori, Are the brake lights

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Mon, 01/30/2012 - 19:46.

Tori,

Are the brake lights working?
Are the taillights working?
Are the rear turn signals working?

If the answer to all three of the above is yes, then there is no list of possible reasons for the shifter not to shift out of park. The one and only possible reason for the shifter not to move out of park, would be a failed Shifter Interlock Solenoid. This is the part that allows for the shifting out of park, after you step down on the brake. The solenoid has a fairly high failure rate, and you should check with a dealer for one or more TSB’s. TSB means Technical Service Bulletin, which is nothing more than fixin a special problem that is outstanding on a particular vehicle, or group of vehicles.

Thank You! All my lights are

Submitted by torigrafe on Mon, 01/30/2012 - 20:29.

Thank You! All my lights are working and everything. I will have my car looked at and mention to whomever looks at my car about the issue you explained. Would this cost a lot to replace/fix if it is really the problem?

Tori, A TSB means Technical

Submitted by Big Block 409 on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 06:53.

Tori,

A TSB means Technical Service Bulletin and it’s different from a recall. A recall is free, but a TSB you gotta pay for. Don’t go to a dealer for the TSB or the repair, because the dealer is gonna put on a dog and pony show for you then really rip you off bad. If you can’t do this job yourself, then all you need is an ASE Certified Master Mechanic. Such individuals have access to the same TSB’s that dealers do. I’m retired, and no longer keep a database of TSB and recall numbers, and that’s why I can’t post the TSB number for you. Before you replace the solenoid you should check it. Check its electrical connection and make sure it’s on tight, and make sure there is nothing interfering with the free movement of the solenoid shaft. There have been cases where I have repaired a stuck shifter (like yours) by replacing the spring that is associated with the solenoid. This spring has been known to break or get disconnected, so be sure to check the spring. The shifter cable goin out of adjustment could be another possibility for your stuck shifter problem. The cable needs to be checked as well. You should clean and lubricate the cable with white lithium grease, and make sure it’s properly adjusted and moving freely with respect to the shifter movement. The cable, spring, and solenoid are all under the shifter console, and you have to remove the console to access them. Here are a few helpful links that show the cost of the solenoid and what it looks like.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm

http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-88963458-Steering-Transmission-Interlock/dp/B001UE93MQ

Tori, Check to make sure that

Submitted by drivability on Tue, 01/31/2012 - 16:13.

Tori,

Check to make sure that nothing sticky has been spilled there. This is a common problem and only gets worse in cold weather because it can start to solidify.