Shifter won't release from park, most of the time?

Tiny
JASON MIRANDA
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SATURN ION
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
My 2007 Saturn Ion 2.2L Automatic while parked in my driveway which has a slight incline started to periodically get stuck in park. At first i would mash the button on the shifter while trying to shift it to drive. I would rock the car back and forth with body weight while mashing the button and giving pressure to move it to drive. Still nothing worked. During the times when I got it to work I lifted the emergency break and put it back down and somehow that allowed it to move to drive. I guess a coincidence? I took it to a mechanic who said the linkage and stuff was dirty so he cleaned it up and said it should be fine (but couldn't reproduce the problem then to show him because it happened some days and not others).

Since getting it back it still decides to (even on flat ground) to not shift into drive after being in park. I now have to put my key in the manual release hole next to the shifter to allow it to move to drive after being parked now. Once it is released it moves freely and smoothly into any gear. I also tested the brake switch by checking if my brake lights were on when the problem is occurring, and they work fine when pressing the brake. The mechanic didn't mention anything wrong with the linkage. I called a mechanic and told him the problem. He said I needed to replace the shift interlock solenoid. Which I purchased an Acdelco GM Genuine part 1573424 on amazon found here:https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-15793413-Original-Equipment-Interlock/dp/B005OV800M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LV06HHEUAL9S&keywords=GM+Genuine+Parts+15793413+Shift+Interlock+Solenoid&qid=1682998517&s=automotive&sprefix=gm+genuine+parts+15793413+shift+interlock+solenoid%2Cautomotive%2C128&sr=1-1

I don't know if this is related or just a symptom of something else but my car had parts replaced back in 2017 (couldn't find out which as the car business got a new owner and lost access) and I couldn't find out which part was replaced for key getting stuck in ignition. Now when I go to turn the car off, it turns halfway and won't turn the rest of the way. I have to mash my shifter button which makes the ignition make audible clicking sounds. Eventually after mashing the shifter button I hear the ignition make a louder click than other times and then I can move the key through full rotation, and can then remove it.

Could you help provide insight if you believe it is not the problem and if you believe it is, with diagrams on how to replace the part so I may do so?
Monday, May 1st, 2023 AT 8:43 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,648 POSTS
I have seen the brake light switch cause this issue. When the shifter does not come out of park can you have a helper see if the brake lights are on? If not I would replace the switch here is how in the images below and I have found additional information which I have included below:

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Description and Operation

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System

The automatic transmission shift lock control system is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the engine is running. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:

* The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid
* The body control module (BCM)
* The transmission control module (TCM)

The BCM controls the voltage to the shift lock control solenoid through the shift lock control solenoid controlled voltage circuit. The following conditions must be met before the BCM will supply voltage to the shift lock control solenoid:

* The ignition is in the ON position.
* The TCM sends a class 2 message to the BCM indicating the transmission is in the PARK position.
* The BCM receives a brake applied input from the stop lamp switch.

Since the shift lock control solenoid is permanently grounded, the BCM supplies voltage to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid, releasing the mechanical lock on the shift lever as the solenoid energizes. This allows the driver to move the shift lever out of the PARK position. When the brake pedal is not applied, the BCM switches the ground of the shift lock control solenoid OFF, de-energizing the shift lock control solenoid. The de-energized solenoid mechanically locks the shift lever in the PARK position.

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
JASON MIRANDA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I've had them check them on two separate occasions and the brake lights were working. Are you still suggesting only replacing the brake light switch?
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Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023 AT 5:56 PM

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