Q: Gear shift lever stuck in park

asked by on January 25, 2016

My column shifter is stuck in park.

Car does not shift from park to drive Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi. Your shift lock switch may be engaged. It will be in one of two places. On the top of the steering column of the instrument cluster or right by the shifter itself above the Park icon on the shift indicator. Hitting the switch should lock or unlock the shifter. If you need further assistance, I recommend you have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose your vehicle’s shifting issues.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Gas leaking under car
Hi. This is a possibility, however, it is more likely that one of the fuel lines has a leak. The fuel pump will turn on with the key turning which would cause the gas to start pumping out when trying...
I Had my oil changed on 5/28/16. On 5/31/16 the check engine light came on. On 6/5/16 the low oil pressure turn off engine came on
Hello, From what you describe it would not appear to me that something went wrong during your oil change. If the level is correct on the dipstick and the engine runs and sounds okay, then it is probably something else....
Brake pads, rotors, and maybe a scam?
This is a classic situation that leads a customer to feel like they're getting a raw deal. The honest truth is most of the time a mechanic isn't attempting to scam you. I have worked in the field for over...
Car won't start.
Hello. The key you put in the ignition is a code key and may be defective. Try a different key if you have one. If this works, then you need to get extra keys made. If it still does the...
will a defective oil pressure sensing system prevent engine starting even if it turns over
Hello. If the oil pressure sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) was bad it would not keep the vehicle from starting. If there is no oil pressure on the gauge when starting it then there is a supply issue. Most of the time this...
The truck has problems shifting
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Ford F-100. Depending on the engine you have and if you have a manual transmission then you may have broken motor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) and transmission mounts that will cause the clutch linkage and shifter...
What grade of gas should I put in my 2008 grand prix
Your car should run just fine on 87 octane fuel unless you have other modifications to your car such as a super charger or turbo charger. The knocking may suggest that you have something else wrong with your engine. Your...
My car failed inspection with P0420 and P0411 codes 2005 VW Jetta
Hi there - the P0420 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0420-obd-ii-trouble-code-catalyst-system-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-1-by-jamahl-walker) indicates a catalytic converter that is not working as efficiently as it should. This could mean a clogged converter, or weak oxygen sensor (probably the pre-converter O2 sensor). The P0411 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0411-obd-ii-trouble-code-secondary-air-injection-system-incorrect-flow-detected-by-spencer-clayton) code indicates a...
Nissan sylphy starting and dying down soon after
Hi There, Black smoke coming from the exhaust is usually an indication of a rich fuel condition. When this happens, this can be the result of many things such as faulty fuel injectors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-injector-replacement), a failing mass air flow sensor...

Related articles

How Do You Know When Your Transmission Fluid Needs to Be Changed?
Transmission oil or fluid is a vital part of your vehicle’s performance, as it lubricates the various components and inner...
Understanding Main Gears Vs. Planetary Gears
Aspiring Aspiring mechanics spend hours learning about how main gears and planetary gears work in a car transmission, so a full dissertation simply isn’t possible within this relatively brief article. If you’re curious about how they work, though, this brief...
2012 Kia Soul vs. 2012 Nissan Cube: Which One Should I Buy?
While technically these two vehicles fall into the “small wagon” classification, they look like nothing more than boxes on wheels. Some people are really into this design, while others are completely opposed to it. If you’re in the former camp,...