Stuck in park

2002 CHEVROLET IMPALA

STACK012

MEMBER
1 POST

I drove my car to work one day and after work I get in to go home and the tranny would not shift into drive or anything it is seized. I can change gears with a pry bar and a hammer. What might be the problem and how would i fix it. I am pretty knowledgeable about repairs but this just baffles me.. HELP......

Sep 30, 2009 at 12:02 AM

SQM

✓Experienced Mechanic
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

It sounds like there is an issue with the shift interlock solenoid.
When the brake pedal gets depressed to shift out of park, the shift interlock solenoid triggered the interlock to be released.
A faulty solenoid will not allow the interlock to work as designed.
Depending on if your vehicle is a column shift or console shift, the solenoid is located in different spot.
If it is a column shift the solenoid is inside the column. If it a console shift the shift interlock solenoid is located under the shift lever.

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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