Q: What other issues are there if you have a locked shifter?

asked by on February 14, 2017

After wife parked car like usual and turning car off, upon return to car and starting it up gear would not shift from park. Figured i had a locked shifter (which i read on this web site and followed by pass directions). I was able to by pass this by placing a screwdriver in a small hole on gear console also break like is on with the "!" symbol inside a circle, car says "pwr str" and "error" messages. Breaks/car works fine... except this locked in park gear situation. Assuming its a locked shifter problem what other problems am im facing?

My car has 167000 miles.
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

Engine is not turning over; clicking noise from starter
The symptoms you describe on your GMC Sierra lead me to believe that the issue lies with the battery, starter or the wiring that joins these two components together. It is also possible to have issues with all three. You...
Headlights and turn signals don't work
Your Dakota's headlight and turn signal issues could stem from the multifunction switch on your steering column, which controls the turn signals and high beam input. Another possibility is the Front Area Module, which controls all of your exterior lights;...
Car slowly lost power
Hello, there are two possibilities for why your truck is doing this. The first possibility is that your catalytic converter is severely clogged. If this is the problem, the car will start, but once the catalytic converter reaches operating temperature...
transmission (ax4n) is not going into overdrive
You will need to have the transmission tested to see if the transmission solenoid for the torque converter lock up solenoid is stuck or bad. The transmission fluid should also be checked (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) to see if it is full of...
Truck turns off when I press the clutch to put in second gear to turn
Hello. Your engine is stalling when you let off the gas and this can be from an engine vacuum leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak), idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement), or just the engine computer that has not relearned the idle yet. Try to...
Remove camera message - 2013 Cadillac XTS
No, a continuous warning means the system must require some sort of service. The camera is very delicate and may have been bumped or moved in the process of the windshield replacement. Visit the local dealer to have the system...
ABS Module failed. Can I install a refurbished part or does it need to be programed.
This is a good question, and a common one! ABS modules are made by vendors other than the auto manufacturers, they DO have software in them, and the software is different from one automobile implementation vs another. For example, Ate...
check engine light on, code p0016 and p0017 shown
Of course, after a repair be sure to erase the codes. If the same codes do return after erasure, then there is a continuing, unresolved problem. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0016 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0016-obd-ii-trouble-code-camshaft-position-a-camshaft-position-correlation-bank-1-by-jay-safford) and Diagnostic Trouble Code P0017 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0079-obd-ii-trouble-code-crankshaft-position-camshaft-position-correlation-bank-1-sensor-b-by-jay-safford) have multiple causes...
RPM increasing but car won't drive
What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being sent by...

Related articles

How an Automatic Transmission Works
An An automatic transmission allows a vehicle engine to operate within a narrow speed range, just like a manual transmission does. As the engine achieves higher degrees of torque (torque is the rotational power of the engine), the gears in...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Kickdown Cable
If you feel that your car's transmission is shifting roughly, too fast, or too slow, you may need to replace the kickdown cable.
What Does the Automatic Transmission/Automatic Gearbox Warning Light Mean?
The automatic transmission warning light means there's an issue with the transmission, possibly the fluid temperature, fluid level, or pressure.