97 auto stuck in park
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
97 auto stuck in park
On occasion I have problems getting shifter to move out of park. So far with some pushing and pulling (along with some $#*@) and extra pressure on the release button its finally shifted. Anyone ever have similar problem or have any ideas. Thinking maybe the park lock cable or brake transmission shift interlock solenoid. Any ideas appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,268
Likes: 6
From: New Orleans La.
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
I am not mechanical - but I had this problem and the cable had to be replaced - it was "stretched out".
(Frustratin' ain't it?!!)
(Frustratin' ain't it?!!)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 987
Likes: 1
From: Braidwood Il.
Make sure the brake lite switch is working, if the brake lites don't come on when you push the brake pedal it won't come out of park. Power must pass thru the solenoid at the shifter to get it out of park.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
Will check brake lights first thing in AM. Guess they figure you don't need brake lights if you can't det the darn thing to move! Problem is comes and goes though and so far each time I've managed to get it in gear with a little yanking. Don't want to break anything & would like to find a permanent fix before I get stranded.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 145
Likes: 2
From: Macon NC
Unplug the solenoid
I have a 98 that I bought in July. I think it was sold/traded in because of this. The previous owner said his daughter was stuck several times with this problem. The circuit to release the solenoid goes through the brake pedal to ensure you press the brake before you can get out of Park. I unpluged the solenoid but I plan to go back and trouble shoot the problem, either a faulty switch or wiring intermittent failure. It is a fairly simple repair if you have torx tools and a little time.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
Thanks, checked this morning. I have brake lights, also no problem getting into drive. Thinking solenoid also. Have to check out price for the thing. Have the shop manual and doesn't seem too hard. Also curious about cable from ignition switch but not sure that could cause selector to jam. Thanks for the input guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,015
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
I suggest you remove the console and drive it like that so you can see if the solenoid and ignition switch cable are working when it doesn't allow shifting out of park. The ignition cable can then be unclipped at the shifter if it prevents shifting.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
Unplug solenoidand leave it unplugged
I have a 98 that I bought in July. I think it was sold/traded in because of this. The previous owner said his daughter was stuck several times with this problem. The circuit to release the solenoid goes through the brake pedal to ensure you press the brake before you can get out of Park. I unpluged the solenoid but I plan to go back and trouble shoot the problem, either a faulty switch or wiring intermittent failure. It is a fairly simple repair if you have torx tools and a little time.
Had the same problen on my 98 vert. The soleniod is defective. It doesn't release. Removed console and SLOWLY removed the base of the shift lever (not necessary to remove entire boot) . Unplugging the solenoid only allows you to move out of park. I did not disable the ignition key cable which prevents you from removing the key unless the shifter is in park. Been driving it for about 3 years and no problems.
I always start with foot on the brake anyway so I'm not going to drive the car thru the garage door or into the house.
BIGHANK
