2001 Saturn L200 Will not shift out of Park.

Tiny
TIMSIT
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SATURN L200
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 13,000 MILES
First off let me say this is the worse car I have ever owned.

Now that that's out of the way, my Saturn L200 will not shift out of Park unless I turn the key to the position where I can listen to the radio, then shift the car to neutral, start car and shift it into Drive. I've read online about disabling the cable or the nylon pin that locks the shifter but not sure I want to try that myself. Oddly enough the cruise control stopped working at the same time. Oh the trunk light also flickers on and off in cold weather. Could they all be related?
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009 AT 8:32 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi timsit,

Thank you for the donation.

The park lock cable has gone out of adjustment and readjusting it would solve the problem.

PARK LOCK CABLE ADJUSTMENT

1. Place gearshift lever in Park position and remove ignition key. Remove cup holder/ashtray assembly. Lift lock tab on park lock cable end. See Fig. 1 . Depress gearshift lever button quickly 3 times to set starting position of cable. Using a sharp pencil, mark starting position on slider.
NOTE: Adjustment may move when lock tab is pushed. Proper operation must be verified prior to reassembly.

2. Using a feeler gauge for adjustment, move park lock cable towards shifter base .049" (1.25 mm). Push lock tab of park lock cable end to set position.

3. With ignition switch turned to LOCK position and gearshift lever in Park position, attempt to shift out of Park position. Gearshift lever should not move. Turn ignition switch to ON position. Gearshift lever should be allowed movement from Park position. Place gearshift lever in any position except Park position. Ignition switch should not be able to be turned to LOCK position and key should not be removable. Place gearshift lever in Park position. Ignition switch should be able to turn to LOCK position and ignition key should be removable.

4. If park lock cable does not operate as specified, readjust cable. Check gearshift cable adjustment. Install cup holder/ashtray assembly.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_ParkLock01SaturnL200_1.jpg



The cruise control not working could be due to a faulty brake switch or vacumn lines. Testing needs to be done to confirm source.

The trunk lights flickering should be a problem with the switch or an out of adjustment trunk lid.
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Friday, January 23rd, 2009 AT 11:25 AM
Tiny
TIMSIT
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Can you give me an idea how to remove the cupholder/ashtray assembly?
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Friday, January 23rd, 2009 AT 11:37 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi timsit,

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Sorry I could not find any data or digams to show you how to remove the cupholder/ashtray assembly.

Tremove the ashtray and look for screws under it holding the assy. Remove them and you should be able to remove the assy.

Hope it works. If you are unable to remove it, let me know, I will get my fellow technicians to assist on this.
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Saturday, January 24th, 2009 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
TIMSIT
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Last question then I will leave you alone.

Wouldn't the cable not work in releasing the shift lock starting it the way I am if it was just an adjustment problem? I'm confused why it would work one way and not the other.
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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Sorry for delay in answering, was away.

You don't have to worry about being a pest ;). You are always welcomed to ask anything till you are satisfied.

I am having diffiulty understanding your question and hope my answer is what you are looking for.

Presently you can move out of Park only in the ACC ( IGN I ) position. If you turn the ignition switch to RUN ( IGN II ), the cable being out of adjustment ( could be something stuck ) is not able to release the Park lock. This would not allow you to move out of Park when the engine is running as the key would be in the RUN position.

Cable need to be adjusted to be able to free the park lock when the key is in the RUN ( ON ) position.
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Thursday, January 29th, 2009 AT 5:05 AM
Tiny
JENNLYNN0023
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having this same problem on my 2001 Saturn L200. My brake lights just go completely out and it blows the brake fuse every time I touch the brake
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2016 AT 8:59 AM
Tiny
DAVID WIXOM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I'm having the same trouble, but I have to disconnect the battery for 20 minutes to get out of park?
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Saturday, January 7th, 2017 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
David wixom please start you own question there is multiple people asking questions on the same question very confusing. Please start your own question and we will help you out.
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Sunday, January 8th, 2017 AT 7:04 AM

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