Q: Car stuck in park

asked by on January 25, 2016

My car is stuck in park. It will start up, but I cannot shift out of park.

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 does the Low Tire Pressure Light on the dash mean?
The Low Tire Pressure Light in the dash of your car comes on when the tire pressure monitoring system detects a tire low on air. However, it can also come on for other reasons as well. Here’s what you should...
Car making a dragging noise
You may have a brake issue or a wheel bearing issue. Either of them may cause a dragging noise. Attest drive and visual inspection will narrow down what is causing your issue. I would not recommend driving the vehicle. A...
Groaning sound when turning steering wheel
It sounds like your power steering pump may be low on fluid, the fluid may be dirty or have air in it, or the pump itself could be damaged. Sometimes, there may be some air trapped in the system and...
Hard to steer while parked
You could have several issues going on. Low power steering fluid, a bad power steering pump, or internally leaking rack and pinion can cause this issue. Consult your manual and check the fluid level in the power steering system. If...
Mpg loss 2009 Toyota Tacoma
The cold air intake (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cold-air-intake-replacement) and oil type air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) are the problem most likely. The oil from the filter will contaminate the mass air sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) and cause it to not read correct. It may not set a...
Hi, I have a 2003 bmw X5 3.0i petrol. 2 problems. 1. abs trifecta lights on, when i plug in my own (cheap) diagnostic tool it onl
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The code for your BMW P1619 is referring to the thermostat sensor. Check the thermostat sensor harness for an debris, looseness, and corrosion. If the sensor looks good, then the thermostat needs replaced...
On a good day car starts very easily in the morning or if rested for about 30 mins. However, it does not start when warm
Hey there. This is a common sign of a faulty ignition coil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement). Ignition coils are coated with a varnish-like insulation that becomes brittle over time after being stretched then contracted as the copper beneath them expands and contracts faster...
Batery drains sitting in driveway with engine off.
If you request a parasitic power draw diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-will-not-hold-a-charge-inspection) the responding certified mechanic will track this down for you and let you know of the required repair. First, the battery needs to be load tested to exclude the possibility that...
Poor gas economy, rough idling
Hi There, There are a number of things that can cause poor fuel mileage. A faulty camshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) is one of them. The camshaft position sensor is a magnetic sensor that monitors camshaft speed to regulate ignition timing...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Vet
The The best car for a vet to own largely depends on the type of practice he or she has. Large animal vets are probably going to want something that delivers a fair bit of power, and possibly even towing...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer
Common signs include engine vibration, misaligned timing marks, and a separated harmonic balancer.
How Long Does a Throttle Body Last?
There There are so many components involved in a vehicle running properly, but some of the main ones are rather basic in their role. The throttle body is one of those parts. This component is part of the air intake...