Stuck in park?

Tiny
RAVE2483
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 PONTIAC AZTEK
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
Hi, it was driving fine I went to the bank, I went to leave & my aztek is stuck in park and I cant get the engine to crank over? Can you help me
Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 12:38 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Are your brake lights working? The park lock solenoid functions from the brake light switch. If the switch isn't working, you can't get it from park. If that are it sounds like the interlock solenoid is not working here are instructions in the diagrams below that will show you how to replace it. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
RJT02
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK
  • 180,000 MILES
20003 Aztek wont start and shifter stuck in park. Starter removed and checked sewrviceable.
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RJT02
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
After cleaning starter, jumped starter and it worked. Found battery weak. Replaced battery and vehicle now starts and shifter operates normal. I guess not enough voltage from battery to energize shifter lock solenoid. Hope this helps anyone out there with same problems.
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Yes if battery is weak shiftlock won't work among other things least it's fixed batterieis are only good for about 4-5 yrs then it's borrowed time.
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-1
Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CLCARNES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 PONTIAC AZTEK
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
My 2003 Pontiac Aztek won't shift out of park. The button on the shifter won't depress and it seems to be happening with increasing frequency. What is the problem?
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Check brake light and brake light switch
Gearshift lever cannot be moved from "P" position without simultaneously applying brake pedal with ignition switch turned to ON position. When brake pedal is applied, brakelight switch completes or interrupts circuit to BTSI solenoid. Depending upon application, energizing or de-energizing BTSI solenoid unlocks gearshift lever from "P" position
Transaxle/Transmission shift interlock system prevents driver from moving gearshift lever from "P" position unless ignition switch is turned to ON position. On models equipped with Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) solenoid, gearshift lever cannot be moved from "P" position without simultaneously applying brake pedal with ignition switch turned to ON position. Shift interlock solenoid is located at gearshift lever in steering column or center console.
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CWHOUZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
Gearshift button will not depress to put into gear and when you turn the key to start it's like the battery is dead. I think the cars computer is thinking it is in gear when it is not and that's why it's not starting. I'm not sure if the gearshift being stuck in park is also linked to this problem
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I don't see how the two are related other than if the park lock solenoid isn't releasing due to a dead battery. Does the starter engage and at least turn the engine? Have you had the battery tested?
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one I have seen those two things in common when the body control modules fail. Is the security light on solid or flashing with the key in the run position? Also it wouldnt be a bad idea to have the battery tested and make sure the battery cables are clean and tight. Like jacobandnickols suggested.I wad only try to lend my experience not jump over you.
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CWHOUZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The security light on the dash doesn't come on at all and the theft lock one on the radio blinks when the key is in the start position. I haven't checked the battery yet due to my meter being at work but all functions (radio, lights, interior lights, door chime) are all functional and strong so I don't suspect the battery
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Thursday, April 9th, 2020 AT 12:57 PM (Merged)

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