1990 Infiniti M30 Won't Shift Out of Park

1990 INFINITI
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BLADE91942
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  • 2 POSTS
This is the story of my 1990 Infiniti M30. After putting over $5000 in this car after I rear ended a van. It seemed everytime I OK'ed a repair or replacement I would be told it needed more(a year long nightmare) I brought the car home after about 9 months I got in some legal trouble and lost my license. I did all the recommended procedures and stored the car in a covered carport with a cover to protect the new paint etc. I did wash and wax it every two months. Well this started 18 months ago and I am now done with all the legal stuff and so I charged the battery added fresh fluids etc. was going to get it registered as it had been non-opt I did drive it in my lot and all was fine. The next day a guy doing a fast u-turn in the parking lot hit the rear end and broke the left tail and side signal light and did slight body damage!!! The car was in park w/parking brake set. It did as the pavement shows jolt the car about 2 inchs forward. Now for the million dollar question: IS THIS WHY THE CAR WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK NO REVERSE NO FORWARD??? Also how do I get it towed out when the wheels are locked in place??? HELP!!!
Feb 12, 2006 at 10:59 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
monir body damage as you describe wouldn;'t cause it to not shift. Check the shifting linkage/cable for rust. the linkage can be cheked on the top or sid eof the trans manually
Feb 15, 2006 at 12:47 PM
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BLADE91942
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Strange the infiniti dealer I had it inspected at disagrees they say most deffinatly this can be caused by a sudden jolt forward while the car is locked in park What do you think???
Mar 8, 2006 at 12:29 AM
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LOVESCARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 359 POSTS
I respectfully disagree! Good luck!
Mar 8, 2006 at 4:19 AM

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.

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