What happens if you have a gear shift lock problem?
In some instances, a gear shift lever lock problem can cause the ignition locking system not to function properly. If this happens, the vehicle’s key may be taken in and out of the ignition without the vehicle being in park or turned off.
When does the shift lock release feature start?
Vehicles with automatic transmissions released from the early 90s and onwards are equipped with a key-shift interlock safety feature. Whenever the shifter is placed in the Park position, the safety feature locks it there.
What should I do if my shift lever is locked?
Many cars come equipped with a fuse that enables or disables the shifting function in your car. If your car is stuck in park, or in another gear, you should first check in your car owner’s manual to see if you have one of these types of fuses. If it does, check the fuse associated with the shifter to ensure that it’s not blown.
What to do if your Dodge Durango gears lock?
If your Durango is experiencing any of these problems, take it to a mechanic for repair as soon as possible. The gear shift lever locking mechanism is designed to keep the gear shift from moving except when you intentionally move it. If the gear shift lever lock gets stuck, you will not be able to move the gear shift.
What to do when Shift lock release fails?
When the shift lock release fails, you can’t shift out of park. Car makers install a shift lock that latches when the shifter is placed in the park position. To unlock the shift lock, the driver applies the brake pedal.
When did cars start using Shift lock release?
Car makers starting installing shift interlock safety features in the 1990’s to prevent drivers from shifting out of park without first turning the key. Then in 2010 all vehicles were required to install a shift interlock mechanism that used a shift lock release to prevent drivers from shifting out of park without first applying the brake.
How does the shift lock release solenoid work?
That activates the brake light switch which then applies power to the shift lock release solenoid, also called the shifter interlock solenoid. The shift lock release solenoid moves the latching pin out of the way so the driver can shift out of park. What goes wrong with the shift lock release?
Why is my shift lock stuck in Park?
If even one of the aforementioned malfunctions, it is possible that you might not be able to move the shifter out of the Park position. Moreover, if your car’s battery dies, the shifter will ultimately be stuck in the ‘P’ position.