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Stuck in Park! Help

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Old May 30, 2011 | 06:36 PM
  #1  
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Default Stuck in Park! Help

I have a 97 c5 auto and it is stuck in park. Is there a release switch somewhere?
I have another question, what controls the shifter to shift into gear. the button on the shifter and the brake solenoid. is that it.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 06:41 PM
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the owners manual should have where the override button is located and how to defeat the trans. lock.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 07:00 PM
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Can you push the button on the gearshift down?
I have had mine seem to freeze before, but I got frustrated and smacked the button fairly hard and it freed right up. I think there is a solonoid that activates a plunger that releases the button for shifting.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 08:20 PM
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Default Park Solenoid is the culprit disconnect it and you are home free

Had this happen several times, luckily in my garage. Remove center console and take off bottom of boot over the gear shifter. You will see a solenoid at the rear of the shift assembly. Simply remove the single plastic covered electrical connector that is connected to the solenoid.
Did this several years ago and no problems since. Not necessary to remove the solenoid. Be VERY CAREFUL removing the plastic base under the leather boot. Also not necessary to remove the boot at all.
Takes several hours but not hard just tedious.BIGHANK
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Old May 30, 2011 | 09:51 PM
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from the owners manual:

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACC.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by your dealer as soon
as possible.
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Old May 30, 2011 | 10:01 PM
  #6  
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thanks you everyone. I tried it several hours later and started it up and went into gear just fine. I will remove that plastic clip off solenoid though as bighank said. thanks
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Old May 30, 2011 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by imavettegirl
from the owners manual:

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACC.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by your dealer as soon
as possible.
Good info I didn't know. Thanks for posting this.
Reply
Old May 31, 2011 | 06:54 PM
  #8  
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From: Silver Spring MD
Default Can't shift to neutral if the park solenoid stays engaged

Originally Posted by imavettegirl
from the owners manual:

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can’t
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to ACC.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the engine and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5. Have your vehicle inspected by your dealer as soon
as possible.
Reply

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