Shift Interlock replacement help needed

NESTERS4

MEMBER
2006 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

While replacing the shift interlock lever (the vehicle is stuck in park), I had the car running, stupid, I now realize, but didn’t see any harm at the time as it was mostly non electronic items (console, shifter knob, etc). After unplugging the connector for the rear outlet on the center console I attempted to turn the car off, upon seeing other connectors to remove, but the key is stuck! I got everything taken apart and I had to go get the new part so I disconnected the battery cables to prevent ruining the battery cells. After installing the new interlock lever the problem was not resolved, still won’t shift, and the key is still stuck. I took it apart again and found nothing that screams “I’m wrong, fix me!”. Now the center console is completely taken apart and I’m not sure if I messed something up by having the car running while fixing, or if the entire shift assembly will have to be replaced. Any ideas?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

Is the vehicle in park? I ask because not being able to remove the key could be an adjustment issue. Also, do the brake lights work? Power to the interlock actuator is provided through the brake light switch, so that could be another possible issue.

Since you said it does the same thing, I need you to check fuse 29 in the underhood power distribution box.

If you look at pic 1 below, I highlighted the fuse I'm referring to. In addition to checking the fuse, make sure there is power to and from it. Here is a link that you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Also, pics 2 and 3 show the wiring schematic for the shift interlock.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 AT 9:49 PM

NESTERS4

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thanks for your reply! Yes, the car is stuck in the park position. Yes, the brake lights are working and you can hear the clicking noise in the shifting column when applying pressure to the brakes. This is after having removed the interlock lever and installed the metal one. All fuses appear fine, i.E. No black marks and metal strips in fuse intact. I did pull number 29 and looks good. I do not have a multimeter and probably couldn’t get one until this afternoon at the earliest, we are down to one vehicle and the wife had to take it to work this morning. The new lever moves freely when everything is taken apart, and the spring is still connected. The shifter column acts as if I never replaced the part, making the same noise and still won’t budge at the shifter.

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Thursday, June 10th, 2021 AT 8:52 AM

NESTERS4

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4 POSTS

The solenoid has power, and functions when the brake pedal is pressed. The interlock lever doesn’t move when pressing the brakes, which would allow me to shift gears if it would. It seems as if there would be something connecting the solenoid to the interlock lever.

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Thursday, June 10th, 2021 AT 9:36 AM

NESTERS4

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4 POSTS

Great news! It shifts. The cable was too tight and I had to pull the orange spring on the cable towards the rear when inserting the white clip back into the cables housing. However, the key is still stuck.

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Thursday, June 10th, 2021 AT 9:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

I think we are still out of adjustment. I attached the directions below for adjusting things. Do me a favor. Press the cable further in the "park" position manually to see if you can turn the ignition off.

Also, take a look at the directions below to see if they help. I realize step one says to place the key in the lock position. This is where I think the cable needs to be readjusted. It could still be too tight and not allowing the key to lock.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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