Refuses to shift into R or P

CAPORALI

MEMBER
2001 ACURA CL
3.2L
V6
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
198,000 MILES

Will shift all the way down to 1 without a hitch and all the way back up to D5 then, sorta reluctantly, allows N. Should I try for reverse. Suddenly sounds as if a cobra is hissing at me from the right side of the steering column, (I lean in to make sure that is what it sounded like). I kid you not. Dare I go for P uht uh. So last time this happened, went for another spin around the block and voila. This time it is back out only; only I cannot, because the car will not shift into reverse. Neutral it is. E-brake on, engine off, keys remain -goodnight.
now what?

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1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Caporali,

Usual problem is shift stays in park and unable to shift out to other positions but yours is the reverse. Either symptoms are most probably due to the shift lock control system.
The red circle in picture indicates the shift lock lock override whereby if you insert the car key into it and push at the release lever within, you can manually release the shift lock. Try this and see if you are able to shift into R and P.

Something could have gone bad or, loosened or foreign materials could have fallen there and get wedged between the lock to prevent it from releasing.

You would need to remove the console to check.

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