When your shift lock release button is not working, you have several options. The first step is to check the power source to the shift interlock solenoid. If it is not there, check for a blown fuse.
KAMPALA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — If your shift lock release button is not working, you have a few options. Check the power source to the shift interlock solenoid. If it is not there, check for a blown fuse.
- When you’re first learning about the Shift Lock Release feature on your vehicle, you might be surprised to learn that it’s located on the steering wheel.
- The shifting lock solenoid can also cause the shift lock release button to malfunction.
- This guide should help you fix your shift lock release button not working, if you have any tips to add, please let us know in the comments section.
- Read also: In this article review, I explain what the Shift Lock Release Button on My Car does and how it helps.
If both of these do not work, try reprogramming your car. If none of these work, you’ll need to get some expert help. But before you go this far, nowthendigital.com reviews these two solutions.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each one.
Failure of the shift lock release button
The first step to fixing a failure of the shift lock release button is to locate the location of the switch. It is commonly located on the shifter console.
Usually, this button is covered by a small plastic cap. To open it, insert a small screwdriver or object similar to it. Hold the object in the slot while shifting to neutral.
The shifter will move to the D position when you release the parking brake and begin the engine. Afterwards, you must repair the inoperative shift lock release button.
To engage the next gear, push the shift lock release button fully. It is possible that the shift lock release button will not function if the emergency brake is not released.
If this is the case, the vehicle may need repair. In such a case, a repair shop will fix the problem. Failure of the shift lock release button can also occur when the transmission has a problem.
If this happens, you should seek professional assistance as soon as possible.
If the shift lock release button is not functioning, the problem may lie with the shift lock control module.
If you do not see any change within 15 seconds of entering program mode, the shift lock control module is most likely malfunctioning. This can occur because of a faulty wire harness or an internal part.
Once this is fixed, you can check your car for more common problems related to shift lock failure and fix it yourself.
When you replace the shift interlock solenoid, you will eliminate the need to buy a new car.
Although modern automatic vehicles are reliable and technically superior, they still have problems. Occasionally, road accidents can lock the gear lever and make it impossible to shift gears.
In such cases, you must press the Shift Lock button to unlock the gear lever. The button functions as the analog to a keyhole.
To ensure that you don’t lock the gear lever during shifting, keep the brake pedal pressed and the vehicle will not move uncontrollably.
This is more convenient and safer than letting it fumble around inside the vehicle.
When you’re first learning about your vehicle’s Shift Lock Release feature, you might be surprised to find out that it’s located on the steering wheel.
This simple, yet important safety feature will make it much easier to operate your car if you’re not used to driving an automatic.
However, if you are a new driver, this feature is crucial and can save your life. However, it is important to note that many models of automatic transmissions have been plagued with the failure of the Shift Lock Release Button.
Another possible cause of the failure of the shift lock release button is the shifting lock solenoid. If the switch is powered, the solenoid may be bad.
A dead battery is another possible cause. The shift lock release solenoid can be replaced if the solenoid is working properly.
If the problem persists, you can contact a local auto shop to get a replacement. If the problem persists, check the brakes first.
Checking for power at the shift interlock solenoid
If you’ve noticed a faulty transmission, you might be wondering how to check for power at the shift interlock solenoid.
It’s an important part of your car’s transmission, as it prevents you from shifting out of park while the brake isn’t applied.
You can use a digital multi-meter to check if there is power to the solenoid. If there is no power, then the shift interlock solenoid is bad.
To check for power at the shift interlock solenoid, first make sure the vehicle is off. You need to remove the black plastic dust cover from the wire terminals.
Then, remove the two wires that are attached to the solenoid. Make sure the two ends of the wire are not touching one another to avoid short-circuiting them.
Once you’ve removed the old solenoid, you’ll need to reconnect the wiring harness and the shift interlock solenoid.
You can also check for power at the shift interlock solenoid by jumping across the terminals of the connector.
While the multimeter is attempting to measure power, an assistant can help you shift the car into gear. If the switch doesn’t respond, there’s likely a wiring or transmission issue.
If the switch is faulty, you’ll need to replace the solenoid. If you’ve followed these instructions carefully, you’ll be able to determine if your shift interlock solenoid needs to be replaced.
Similarly, if your car’s “Check Engine” light comes on when you start it, then it’s a sign that the shift interlock solenoid is bad.
In this case, the problem is likely in the shifting system, but the battery could be dead or the solenoid itself is bad.
Checking for power at the shift interlock solenoid is a good idea if you don’t want to mess with other parts of the car.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and affordable DIY repair, it’s time to replace the shift interlock solenoid in your vehicle.
Replacing a malfunctioning shift interlock solenoid is a relatively straightforward task that won’t take more than an hour.
With a few simple tools, you can perform the repair in under an hour. You’ll need a torque wrench and a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Fortunately, replacing a brake shift interlock solenoid is not a major issue – it will cost you just $189 to $214. If you’re experiencing other problems with the car, you may need to check other parts too.
A failing brake shift interlock solenoid can affect your shifter’s ability to shift gears, which could prevent you from driving. And if the solenoid isn’t working, then the shifter will not work in any other position.
If the shifter is still unresponsive, the shift lock solenoid is likely the culprit. To access the shift lock solenoid, remove the cover of the shifter mechanism.
It’s located under the shifter console and alongside the shifter lever. If you’re unsure, you can check for power at the brake light relay and the switch.
If you hear a clicking sound, a broken shifter lock ECU or control switch is causing the problem.
Checking for a blown fuse
If you notice that the shift lock release button on your car is not working, you might need to check the fuse. Most cars are equipped with a fuse for the shifting function.
If you notice that the shifter will not release until you turn the key and press the brake pedal, then it is probably the fuse. Fuse replacements should only cost a few dollars.
To check the fuse, remove the shifter housing from the left side of the vehicle. If it’s still stuck, try manually releasing the shift interlock system by turning the key into the ACC position.
You may also need to check the fuse in the stop light. The stop light fuse is a 20-amp fuse and is attached to the shift lock control unit.
Pressing the brake pedal releases the brake light, which signals the shift lock control unit. If the fuse is blown, replace it as soon as possible.
If you cannot find the fuse in the switch, check the brake light bulb or the neutral safety switch.
A blown fuse could be the issue. You can remove this by removing the plastic cover that covers the shift lock release mechanism.
You can then check the fuse panel in the engine bay or the fuse panel in the dash, which is located near the left knee.
Then, check if any fuses have blown. If you still can’t get the shift lock release button to work, you may have another problem.
If you can’t find a fault in the brake light switch, the most likely cause is a faulty shift interlock solenoid. A bad shift interlock solenoid will cause your brake lights to flash, which isn’t good.
You can test for this by using a digital multi-meter. If you find an open circuit in the wiring, you can replace the solenoid, but this won’t fix the issue.
If the brake lights aren’t working, it’s possible that the brake light switch has broken. It can also cause the shift lock release button to be stuck in Park.
If you can’t locate the fault, you can jump-start the vehicle. The mechanic can jump-start your vehicle if necessary.
This should resolve the problem and allow you to shift your vehicle again. Once you’ve done that, you can then test the rest of the wiring.
Hope this guide helped you fix the shift lock release button not working on your car. Please leave a comment if you have any tips to add.
