2002 Honda Accord Gear Shift Button Wont Depress on Start

2002 HONDA ACCORD
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HONEYFLOWER
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Transmission problem
2002 Honda Accord 6 cyl Automatic 70.000 miles

It is an occasional problem that has become an almost always problem. At first I solved it by depressing brake pedal and turning the steering wheel all the way one way. Then I found (from reading a posting by Jeff) that I could get the shift button to depress by poking a narrow wooden makeup applicator into a slot to the left of the shift stick. Brake lights and horn are fine. Is this something I can fix myself? Or with the info I've written, can you diagnose the problem - I'd like to have an idea what is wrong if I have to take it in. Any problems with my continuing to use my "magic wand" routinely to start my car? Thanks so much for any help.
Jun 10, 2010 at 5:30 AM
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HONDA TECH 1818
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If the brake lights are working all the time, I'm guessing the brake light switch is ok. It coiuld be a bad mutiplex control unit in the driver's side fuse box.
Jun 12, 2010 at 6:28 PM
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HONEYFLOWER
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Thanks, King. Is this something that I could replace myself? I know there is a fuse box under my hood....Alternatively, does it sound like pulling up the car part around the gear shift and emergency brake and cleaning up down there might fix the problem? I remember a cap came off something I had in the front seat and maybe something seeped into the area below the gear shift. Or maybe a little W-40? Is there a way to open up that area? Thanks very much.
Jun 13, 2010 at 12:51 AM
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HONDA TECH 1818
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When the car is in park, is the P indicator lights up in the guage?
Jun 13, 2010 at 6:33 AM
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