Q: The anti-theft light is on and the car will start but will not shift out of park

asked by on October 30, 2016

Antitheft light is on. Car will start but not shift out of park. dash also reads service required. can't believe it won't let me clear or reset so that I can drive it to the dealer.

My car has 23000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Shift Interlock Solenoid Replacement $118.69 - $1255.66 Get a Quote
Warning Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. The symptoms you are experiencing are commonly caused by a faulty shift interlock solenoid. The shift interlock solenoid is the component responsible for allowing the transmission to be safely shifted from park and neutral into a gear that transmits power, such as drive or reverse.

If this component fails, it may cause issues with or even prevent the transmission shifting into gear. You also mention that the "anti-theft" and "service" lights are on, which indicate a possible issue with the security system, which may also be a possible cause for the shifting issues.

I would start by scanning the computer for trouble codes, as they will likely shed some light on what the problem may be, and then checking the shift solenoid, which is accessible from the interior of the vehicle, by disassembling the center console. If you would like to have a technician inspect the car at the site of the car, a qualified professional from YourMechanic can diagnose the warning light and proceed with the proper correction.

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

Steering wheel tightening up when making a sharp turn
If your truck has a rack and pinion power steering setup, the rack and pinion gears may be binding internally. If your truck has a gearbox setup, the power steering gearbox gears may be binding internally (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-steering-rack-gearbox). I would recommend...
Fuel pump will not kick on and all the fuaes and relays are fine and its hooked up right, what is the problem?
You have a circuit opening relay behind the glove box and the EFI relay in the main fuse box in the engine compartment. You will need to have the complete circuit checked to see if they are supplying power. These...
Car will not move when in gear but will shift in gear and turn the tires when jacked off the ground. 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
Hi - I am afraid you have a broken gear or shaft in the drivetrain - specifically in the transmission assembly. The jerky motion, but without real rotation of the wheels, indicates something in either the transmission (gear set, shaft)...
Service engine soon light on
Hi There, Both of these codes relate to your evaporative emissions control system. One relates to a leak that is detected and the other relates to the possibility of too much water vapor in your charcoal canister which is part...
How costly is it to replace an airbag wiring harness ?
The airbag wiring harness has several sections. So it shouldn't be necessary to replace everything except in the most extreme conditions. There is a section in the column that has a spring like winding, and I think two other sub...
How do I get the monitors on my car ready for SMOG test?
Hi there. Take a scanner and check the computer (ECM) for any codes that could be pending. Check to see what the codes are and correct the code by performing the repair on the area that is not working or...
If the wheel bearing is bad on an '06 Explorer, does the entire wheel hub assembly need to be replaced or just the bearing?
In your particular model vehicle, the wheel bearing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement) comes pressed into the hub assembly. It may be possible to have the old wheel bearing pressed out and have a new bearing pressed into the hub assembly, however the machine...
My Dodge Journey randomly shows hot oil message under mileage and a few other lights. Once I turn car off it then won't rest
There is a possibility that trouble codes have been stored and those should be sought first as if they exist they will provide clues to resolve the issues you are seeing. If there are no codes, what you can do...
After changing my battery on my Acura ILX 2014, the display button and backup camera does not work. How do I reset the backup came
If these two malfunctions did not start the instant you installed a new battery, they are probably not related to the battery. The camera is activated in reverse which means the circuit goes through the neutral start switch. That switch...

Related articles

How Long Does an EVP Shut Off Solenoid Last?
The The EVP shut off solenoid is the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve position sensor. With that said, it has a fairly important job to perform that will help ensure your engine runs smoothly, and that your vehicle is able...
Top Automotive News & Stories: July 27-August 3
Each week we compile the best announcements and developments from the world of cars. Here are the topics you can’t miss from July 27 to August 3. Most Stolen Cars List Released most stolen cars...
How to Replace an EVP Shut Off Solenoid
An EGR valve is essential to the EGR system in your vehicle. For this valve to work, the EVP shut off solenoid must monitor its position and function.