problems shifting out of park
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: New Salisbury Ind
problems shifting out of park
on my 97 with A4, at the first start of the day in my garage I have to tap the brake pedal several times to engage the solenoid that allows me to shift out of park. once I have drove it and need to restart, no problems. like it only works when it is warm, but not sitting over night in a cool garage. any ideas?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: New Salisbury Ind
I have read that I can disconnect the wiring to the solenoid to disable it and every thing should work, is this true, the reason I ask is I am 1000 miles from home at a family reunion and may need a quick fix to get home.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
If I did the design it would be locked in Park when it was not powered. That would make sense knowing the brake switch has to be closed also to move out of Park. Maybe removing it entirely would work so it does not hamper moving the shifter.
Not sure if leaving it in Neutral before turning the engine OFF would work. The crank to run circuit uses the different Park/Neutral switch at the tranny, that I know. I would try that right away.
If I remember there is a cable connection from the ignition switch but I can't remember how that interfaces or if my recall is even correct.
I am going to PM you with my home and cell number in case you need to discuss or if I need to provide/post any FSM guidance.
Mr. Sam
Last edited by dadaroo; Jun 26, 2015 at 11:46 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
OK, I have looked at the FSM.
In order to crank and start the car you must be in Park or Neutral AND depress the Brake switch. That circuit uses the Park/Neutral switch AT the transmission NOT the Shifter.
The shifter seems to just have lighting and no electrical lock.
The shifter does have a Park Lock cable that is connected to the Ignition switch.
I think if you remove that you can shift out of Park anytime you want. The transmission will still be in Park if the shifter is placed into Park.
Here is how to disconnect the cable.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7hf13z67cx...ement.pdf?dl=0
Here is how to remove the console to access the cable to disconnect it.
http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
None of the above explains the problem you described but we can deal with that later.
I sent you a PM with phone numbers where you can reach me if you need to.
Mr. Sam
In order to crank and start the car you must be in Park or Neutral AND depress the Brake switch. That circuit uses the Park/Neutral switch AT the transmission NOT the Shifter.
The shifter seems to just have lighting and no electrical lock.
The shifter does have a Park Lock cable that is connected to the Ignition switch.
I think if you remove that you can shift out of Park anytime you want. The transmission will still be in Park if the shifter is placed into Park.
Here is how to disconnect the cable.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7hf13z67cx...ement.pdf?dl=0
Here is how to remove the console to access the cable to disconnect it.
http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...zel_howto.html
None of the above explains the problem you described but we can deal with that later.
I sent you a PM with phone numbers where you can reach me if you need to.
Mr. Sam
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: New Salisbury Ind
yes the sound comes from the shifter, the solenoid is located right under the gear indicator. but thinking a little more about what you said about it being hooked to the ignition switch-I am having problems where the radio and a/c don`t come on right away and have ordered a new one to install when I get home.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Just looked again at the FSM and can find nothing about a solenoid there. I think I will ask an automatic expert about it.
Did you order the key cylinder or the electrical switch? The cable would be connected to the key cylinder. Your other issue could be related to the ignition electrical switch.
In hindsight if the TDR was being activated again then the starter would be trying to turn after you started the car so the solenoid sound could not be it.
Good luck on the trip home. I'll let you know what I find out about a solenoid at the shifter.
Did you order the key cylinder or the electrical switch? The cable would be connected to the key cylinder. Your other issue could be related to the ignition electrical switch.
In hindsight if the TDR was being activated again then the starter would be trying to turn after you started the car so the solenoid sound could not be it.
Good luck on the trip home. I'll let you know what I find out about a solenoid at the shifter.
Last edited by dadaroo; Jun 27, 2015 at 10:07 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Do you remember where you found it? I found the circuit for the bulb there which is controlled by the BCM but no solenoid. I looked every where in the tranny section also. I even looked at al the PCM and BCM connector views and saw nothing that appeared to match.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 435
Likes: 5
From: New Salisbury Ind
just drove it and it took a couple of taps on the brake to get it to work, then I tried pushing down the **** on top of the shifter(car running) nothing happened, tapped the brake(with **** pushed down) and the solenoid engaged and I could shift out of park
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
I'll keep my fingers crossed it won't let you down to get home. I am very sure though by disconnecting the solenoid it will not give you this problem. It does not seem like the cable is contributing to the problem.
Please update us later. It probably is the solenoid but could be the Brake switch or the Park/Neutral switch in the circuit. I put my money on the solenoid since you say it seems to be temperature related and the solenoid does see temp changes in that location and it is a mechanical interface to lock the shifter.
Please update us later. It probably is the solenoid but could be the Brake switch or the Park/Neutral switch in the circuit. I put my money on the solenoid since you say it seems to be temperature related and the solenoid does see temp changes in that location and it is a mechanical interface to lock the shifter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
As a PS, I am surprised that this circuit is energized at all times when in Park so it is part of the normal battery drain when the ignition is OFF.
I would have designed it so the solenoid spring left the blocking plunger in place with no power required and would need power from the Brake switch to retract it. My idea would be more fail safe in my opinion.
I will never forget how this feature works. Thanks, I learned something new that is very good info.
I would have designed it so the solenoid spring left the blocking plunger in place with no power required and would need power from the Brake switch to retract it. My idea would be more fail safe in my opinion.
I will never forget how this feature works. Thanks, I learned something new that is very good info.