Q: Buick Riviera 1989 stuck in P

asked by on August 26, 2017

Had car on idle outside my garage for 15 minutes after a very long standstill. Engine stopped suddenly. Cranks but do not start. Fuel level ok and I hear the pump running. Put the lever in N, pushed the car in and put lever in P. Shortly after I find it stuck. Cannot get it to move with IGN on and brakes applied. Engine cranks but do not start. Need to know where / if there is an override to the shift lever so I can get it in N. Need to move the car before I can work with the no-start issue (suspect CPS failure)
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

What is the correct driving posture for my car?
Driving safely requires that you have the right position and posture when you’re behind the wheel. Not sitting properly in the seat can limit your view, limit your control of the vehicle, and put you, your passengers and others on...
Master cylinder losing fluid and I can't find leak.
It is possible that your brake fluid could be leaking into the power brake booster. This is the big round container that the master cylinder is bolted to. The brake booster operates off of the vacuum created by the engine...
Turn signal and brake light don't work
The switch in the steering column may be the cause, but a check of the bulbs should be done first, to see if a bulb is at fault. I recommend having a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect your turn...
Wheel and ignition locked up
If you own a spare key, try turning the key in the ignition to see if this will work. If it does not turn the ignition, then look at your key and see if it is worn out. A worn...
Car shakes and jerks
Hi there, when you say jerking do you mean a vibration or changing in speed? If the car changes in speed, then you should make sure your fuel pressure is okay. Other Impala owners have reported a shaking at startup...
Advice on how to keep cars that aren't used very often from rotting
Yes, it depends on how long the car is going to be sitting (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/5-essential-things-to-know-about-storing-your-car). Your tires could possibly go bad. A lot of weight is sitting on the tires. It's a good idea to once in a while jack up...
Ticking noise coming from the driver's side of the engine
Often, that would be lifters making a noise. So, the first thing you'd want to do is get some good engine oil flush (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-it-mean-to-flush-fluids-in-a-car) and have the engine flushed out, and then change the oil and filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/change-oil-and-filter). A lot...
Getting 2 then 4 abs codes, brake shutters, speedo dies and engine slowes when Brake and absolutely lights come on,
You definitely want to start by inspecting the front and rear wheel speed sensors; a failure in these circuits will result in several other problems. Begin by connecting a scanner to see if the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is registering...
Will the code po171 effect the emissions test?
Hi Cassi. Thanks for sending us a message tonight. Yes, the P-0171 OBD-II trouble code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0171-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn) indicates a lean mixture issue, which will impact the pass/fail of most emissions tests. Depending on where you live, any check engine light or...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Get Motion Sickness
For For people that suffer from motion sickness, even on the shortest car trip, riding in a vehicle can prove to be unbearable. What’s great is that there are a number of cars on the market that can help to...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Short Commutes
If If you’re lucky enough to have a short commute to work, then you need to consider different factors when buying a used car than someone with a lengthier drive (or more time stuck in traffic). Chances are good that...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Love Road Trips
If If you love to travel, comfort is very important in a vehicle. You want a nice, quiet ride, comfortable seating, and enough room. We have evaluated several used vehicles, and narrowed our favorite road trip vehicles down to the...