Mazda 3 Car is not shifting into park Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(1,283)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(1,283)

Car is not shifting into park Inspection Service

How much does a Car is not shifting into park Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Mazda 3 Car is not shifting into park Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2012 Mazda 3L4-2.5LService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2021 Mazda 3L4-2.5L TurboService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2009 Mazda 3L4-2.3L TurboService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2013 Mazda 3L4-2.3L TurboService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2015 Mazda 3L4-2.0LService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2014 Mazda 3L4-2.0LService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2012 Mazda 3L4-2.0LService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2017 Mazda 3L4-2.5LService typeCar is not shifting into park InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Mazda 3 Car is not shifting into park Inspection prices

A car that will not go into park can be both inconvenient and dangerous. In most cases a problem getting a vehicle into park can be traced back to an issue with the shifter cable, ignition or the shifter mechanism. This is usually a fairly easy repair but if it is not addressed it can lead to a more expensive repair.

How this system works:

Many vehicles use a cable to link the shifter handle to the transmission. Most automatic transmissions have one cable while a manual transmission will have two.

Automatic transmissions have only a single shift lever. This lever is linked to the manual valve of the transmission.

A manual transmission has two shift levers, one for the vertical movement of the shifter assembly on the transmission and one for the horizontal movement. One cable pushes or pulls the horizontal level, while the other moves the vertical lever.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Transmission Shift Cable Broke: If the cable connecting the shifter handle to the transmission is broken the car will not going into park, in fact the shifter will not work at all. Transmission cables usually break due to stretching, which happens over time or can result due to speed shifting or jamming the car into gear.

  • Stretched Transmission Cable: Prior to breaking, a transmission cable will stretch. When this happens the car may be hard to put in park. It can even make it hard to turn the ignition off and remove the key because the vehicle is not in park. A stretched cable will often result in a misaligned shifter, as an example, when shifter indicates it is in reverse, it could actually be in drive.

  • Faulty Shifter Mechanism: A large amount of play in the shifter could indicate that the shifter is malfunctioning or broken. A failing shifter can be difficult to put into park, or any other gear. In many cars it is possible to remove the boot covering the shifter to examine the shifting mechanism. If any parts appear to be loose or broken, the vehicle should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

  • Blocked Shifter Mechanism: Many shifters slide on a channel and items such as coins, and food can fall into it. This can cause the vehicle to not shift into park, or other gears, depending on where the blockage falls. This is an easy fix. Carefully examine the shifter channel looking for blockages and remove anything that is causing a problem.

  • Worn Ignition Key Tumbler: While this problem is usually associated with not being able to shift a car out of park, it can also make putting it into park difficult. Ignition key tumblers simply wear out over time and will have to be replaced. Other symptoms of a failing key tumbler is a hard to turn ignition and difficulty putting the car in gear.

  • Failing Transmission Solenoids: Transmission Solenoids help control the flow of transmission fluid in the transmission. Trouble shifting the car is a common indicator of failing solenoids.

  • Failing Transmission: Transmissions are complicated and contain a lot of moving parts. As a car ages, parts inside the transmission can wear out or be damaged resulting in a hard shifting, as well as clunking or grinding noises. Transmission repairs can quickly turn expensive so having the vehicle inspected and diagnosed as quickly as possible is key.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the Car not shifting into park issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

A mechanic will inspect the shifter cable, the shifter mechanism and ignition along with other important components which may include the transmission if deemed necessary. It may be required for the mechanic to test drive the vehicle to pinpoint the source of the problem and provide an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

A car that will not go into park is not really functional as a mode of transportation. In many cases the vehicle will be difficult to start and turn off and can also roll away when stopped. This type of problem should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mazda mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mazda owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(1,283)

Rating Summary
1,210
40
13
4
16
1,210
40
13
4
16

Chuy

14 years of experience
407 reviews
Chuy
14 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.0L - Car is not shifting into park Inspection - Chicago, Illinois
Very straight forward, knowledgeable, and fair with pricing/getting the job done. Would recommend

Stefan

17 years of experience
367 reviews
Stefan
17 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.0L - UberX Inspection and Oil Change Package - Concord, California

Wesley

16 years of experience
277 reviews
Wesley
16 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.0L - Thermostat - Aurora, Colorado
As always Wesley was prompt, professional, and friendly and successfully completed the repair.

Scott

36 years of experience
904 reviews
Scott
36 years of experience
Mazda 3 L4-2.3L - Starter - Mesa, Arizona
Scott was great! Showed up early, very knowledgeable and easy to talk too. Installed a new starter in no time at all. Great experience and very satisfied. I will definetly be calling Scott again!

Excellent Rating

(1,283)

Rating Summary
1,210
40
13
4
16
1,210
40
13
4
16
Number of Mazda 3 services completed
14113+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mazda MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Insurance Requirements for Car Registration in Connecticut
All All Connecticut drivers are required to carry automotive insurance, or “financial responsibility,” in order to operate a vehicle legally and maintain vehicle registration. The current laws state that you must retain three types of insurance in order to drive...
P2500 OBD-II Trouble Code: Generator Lamp/L-Terminal Circuit Low
P2500 P2500 code definition The P2500 diagnostic trouble code is an indication of a problem in the L-Terminal of the Generator Lamp control circuit. Related Trouble Codes: P2501 OBD-II Trouble Code: Generator Lamp/L-Terminal Circuit High What the P2500 code means...
How to Install a Camshaft
Over Over the years, engines (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-a-modern-engine-works) have evolved in so many ways. Most of the changes or improvements that have been done revolve around creating better performance and fuel economy, without making the engine larger. One of the biggest changes...

Car overheating and leaking

It sounds like you have a coolant leak. The most common coolant leak I've seen on your vehicle make and model is the intake manifold. The intake manifold is made of plastic and cannot withstand high temperatures like metals can....

Where is the ambient air temperature sensor located on a 2016 impala LTZ?

There is more than one ambient temperature sensor on your vehicle. The engine air intake system has an ambient temperature sensor located in the air duct after the air filter. That sensor is part of the mass airflow sensor assembly....

Battery light turns on then off while braking or driving

Hi Freddy. Thanks for contacting us today. A few things can illuminate the battery light while driving such as a loose battery temperature sensor, cables that are damaged slightly internally, or a charging system component that is showing signs of...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com