Difficult to shift from park

Hi,

If it is binding, chances are it is related to the shifter controller. They have found that moisture can enter it and cause noise or binding. Take a look through this technical service bulletin. It explains what can happen and how to fix it. The attached pics correlate with the directions. Please note that this only requires cleaning specific components.

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2010 GMC Truck Acadia AWD V6-3.6L
A/T - Console Mounted Shifter Control Binding Or Noisy
Vehicle Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Shifter A/T Technical Service Bulletins A/T - Console Mounted Shifter Control Binding Or Noisy
A/T - CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFTER CONTROL BINDING OR NOISY
TECHNICAL

Bulletin No: 09-07-30-002B

Date: June 26, 2012

Subject: Console Mounted Shifter Control Binding or Noisy (Clean Transmission Control Assembly)

Models:
2008-2012 Buick Enclave
2007-2012 GMC Acadia
2007-2010 Saturn OUTLOOK

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2011-2012 model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-07-30-002A (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).

Condition

Some customers may comment about an intermittent squeaking noise coming from inside the automatic transmission control area and/or the lower console area. Customers may also comment that the shifter is difficult to operate. Inspection may reveal a sticky residue on the external surfaces of the automatic transmission control.

Cause

Investigation has determined that a beverage may have spilled on the console and worked its way into the shifter control assembly, causing the moving components to bind and stick. The components within the assembly that are affected include the "rooster comb", detent spring and associated mechanisms.

Correction

pic 1

Important
Do not use any solvent-based cleaning products as they may attack and compromise the integrity of the composite materials used in the control assembly.

1. Clean the external shifter control components including the shifter handle, bezel and the moving closeout panel using the cleaner listed below. Verify that the condition has been corrected. If the condition is not corrected, use the following steps.

Pic 2

2. Remove the left side console extension panel to access the automatic transmission control. Refer to Front Floor Console Extension Panel Replacement - Left Side in SI (1).

Pic 3

3. Protect the floor carpet panels on both sides of the console base with absorbent towels to prevent staining from the liquid cleaner used in the following steps (1).

Pic 4

4. Locate the stepped selector section and detent spring on the shifter assembly (Acadia, Enclave and OUTLOOK automatic transmission control shown (1)).

5. Clean the sticky residue from the surfaces of the stepped selector section and detent spring on the shifter assembly using the cleaner listed below. Keep the direct spray away from electrical components. Using a small brush, go over all of the working surfaces of the stepped selector and detent spring to loosen and remove all residue.

6. After thoroughly cleaning the components, wipe off the liquid with an absorbent towel.

7. A small amount of compressed air may be helpful to assist in drying the components and surrounding area. Use care not to spread the liquid on to adjacent interior components.

8. Verify the performance of the mechanical and electrical components after the cleaning procedures.

9. Reinstall the components removed in step 1.

10. Thoroughly inspect the console base area and carpet for residue and clean as required.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe