Will not recognize the transmission being in park?

2003 MAZDA TRIBUTE
254,000 MILES • 3.6L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ARBORARTS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Will not recognize car being in park so cannot remove key and drains battery.
Nov 30, 2024 at 8:47 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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STRAILER
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 54,176 POSTS
This can be a bad shifter cable or there is a fuse out # 11, 16 or 24. Does it feel like the transmission is fully in park? You might want to help it manually at the shift lever on the transmissions. Have a helper run the car through the gear while you watch the lever and then see if there is more movement when you apply pressure by hand or a tool. Here is what I am talking about. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
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Nov 30, 2024 at 12:25 PM
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