Q: Shift lock

asked by on September 12, 2016

Hey, I'm having trouble with my 1998 Nissan Altima it won't go out of park and I don't see the shift lock button anywhere in the car . What should I do ?

My car has 176000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1998 Nissan Altima. Your car does not have a shift lock solenoid but does have a shift interlock cable. You will need to have the shift lock cable accessed in the center console on the right side of the floor shifter so you can see if the lock cable is moving when you cycle the key. If not, the problem is in the steering column. If you would like a certified mechanic to help, have a technician from YourMechanic inspect your car shifting problem at your home or office.

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

Same suspension part keeps breaking
The lower ball joint is pressed into the lower control arms when replaced. The replacement joint can be pressed into the old lower control arms or you could replace the complete lower control arm that comes with new inner pivot...
My car has two error codes
Getting a hold of the OBD codes is definitely a great first step to diagnosing your Mitsubishi, but it must be noted that OBD codes are only a starting point, not a diagnosis. The codes P0401 and P0431 are actually...
Shifting issues, check engine light on
Hello there, a few different things could potentially cause this fault. The most common would be a neutral safety switch, transmission shift linkage fault, or a transmission fault. A technician will first inspect the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) for exactly...
engine will not start now, after repairs first to the transmission, then alternator and new battery and last, a new fuel pump
If all the other problems started to happen after the transmission was removed and rebuilt, I would suspect that a wire harness has not been connected good or got pinned between the engine and transmission. I would also look for...
Fuel bank sensor
There are a few things that can cause vehicles fuel trims to vary from normal. A vacuum leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak) is a big thing. Broken or worn crankcase ventilation hoses and gaskets that are failing to seal can cause lean conditions....
Truck won't run like it used to
Hi, thanks for writing in. Believe it or not, this happens quite a bit when people swap OEM air filters to K&N or other products. It has nothing to do with the aftermarket part however. The P-0104 OBD-II error code...
Advance Trac dash light comes on and the brakes are applying.
Hi there. When the Advanced Trac light comes on and then the brakes are being applied, this means that the traction control system is active. The traction control is designed to apply the brakes to a wheel when the wheel...
Timing chain gasket is bad. I check the engine oil and found chocolate foam. Is it possible the gasket can leak coolant in engine? Fresh rebuild.
Hi there. If you check the engine oil and see the oil look like a milk shake, then the engine oil is mixed with coolant or water. Also if you are finding gasket material in the engine oil, then a...
What should my rotors measure at if replacement is needed?
The front rotors minimum thickness is 23 mm and for pads is 2 mm. The rear rotors minimum thickness is 9 mm and pads is 2 mm.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Sentra
The The 2012 Nissan Sentra is one of the most versatile sedans in its class. Because it has such a wide variety of options available in its four trims, buyers can choose between a bare-bones version at a very affordable...
2012 Nissan Sentra vs. 2012 Nissan Altima: Which One Should I Buy?
When you consider the Nissan Sentra versus the Nissan Altima, you need to realize that you’re crossing between two different classes of vehicle: the Altima is a mid-size sedan while the Sentra is a compact sedan. The differences between the...
How to Use Autostick
Autostick gives drivers with automatic transmissions the feel of a manual car. It allows the driver to upshift and downshift for extra control.