[mattredmond]

I have a 98 auto that is stuck outside my apartment right now because it will not shift out of park. I searched the forum but haven't had any positive results. I've tried pumping the brake, applying it, all I can think of. The button on the shifter will go in halfway but it will not release the latch under the console to move the car into reverse, drive, etc...
Does anyone have any advice??? Please help or I'll be walking to work tomorrow.

[dollarbill]

Try moving the steering wheel while trying to shift.

[mattredmond]

Just "semi-fixed" the problem. It was the sensor that registers the brake pedal is being pressed in. Woo Hoo!

[Fiat Freak]

Ahh, yes....the good ole brake applied sensor.

If we can't legislate morality, then we will engineer out stupidity. How much did it cost us for this stupid switch, verses how many accidents did it prevent? I'd love to see those statistics.

[wnewport]

Originally Posted by Fiat Freak

Ahh, yes....the good ole brake applied sensor.

If we can't legislate morality, then we will engineer out stupidity. How much did it cost us for this stupid switch, verses how many accidents did it prevent? I'd love to see those statistics.

Back in 1986 I bought a used 1979 Trans Am. Starting it one time soon after buying it, it lurched forward, almost going off an embankment. The previous owner had disabled the neutral start switch and I had left it in drive instead of park.

As to the reason for the brake-shifter interlock on newer cars, see here for the extent of the problem:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd...8/RollAway.pdf