1990 Infiniti M30 Won't Shift Out of Park
Suggested Repair
Check the shift linkage and cable for rust. The linkage can be inspected and moved manually at the top or side of the transmission. Minor rear damage from the described jolt is unlikely by itself to keep the car from shifting out of park.
Conversation Summary
A 1990 Infiniti M30 that had been stored will not shift out of park into reverse or drive after a parking-lot rear impact moved it about two inches while it was in park with the parking brake set. The owner also asked how to tow it with the wheels locked. An expert said that minor body damage would not cause the no-shift condition and advised checking the shift linkage or cable for rust, including a manual check at the transmission. The owner said a dealer blamed the jolt; the expert respectfully disagreed.
