Automatic Shifter Lock Up?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: shawnee kansas
Thank you for providing GM's explanation.
It seems the pre-amble you quoted infers the problem is easily avoided if you give the system a few seconds to get in sync. However, we know that the assembly seems to be deteriorating due to stretching or temperature or something wearing down.
And, today, the dealer's cure was to replace the shifter assembly for $700 rather than to simply tell me to delay shifting out of Park.
It would seem GM should update their "Why It Happens" explanation to include comments regarding what leads up to the need to replace the shifter.
Anyway, I was hoping to understand what is actually changing. Had I read all the threads relating to this issue prior to my visit to the dealer today, I would have taken the time to press them for more information.
They told me they would diagnose the problem and if I decided not to get it fixed, they would charge me for the diagnosis. I told them to forget it. But, they did the "diagnosis" anyway and suggested I have them replace the shifter.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 52
From: East Tennessee
Mine is a 2008 with 20,000 miles. I do plan to drill the hole in the latch and wire it back per your advice and photos to prevent being stuck in Park.
Thank you for providing GM's explanation.
It seems the pre-amble you quoted infers the problem is easily avoided if you give the system a few seconds to get in sync. However, we know that the assembly seems to be deteriorating due to stretching or temperature or something wearing down.
And, today, the dealer's cure was to replace the shifter assembly for $700 rather than to simply tell me to delay shifting out of Park.
It would seem GM should update their "Why It Happens" explanation to include comments regarding what leads up to the need to replace the shifter.
Anyway, I was hoping to understand what is actually changing. Had I read all the threads relating to this issue prior to my visit to the dealer today, I would have taken the time to press them for more information.
They told me they would diagnose the problem and if I decided not to get it fixed, they would charge me for the diagnosis. I told them to forget it. But, they did the "diagnosis" anyway and suggested I have them replace the shifter.
Thank you for providing GM's explanation.
It seems the pre-amble you quoted infers the problem is easily avoided if you give the system a few seconds to get in sync. However, we know that the assembly seems to be deteriorating due to stretching or temperature or something wearing down.
And, today, the dealer's cure was to replace the shifter assembly for $700 rather than to simply tell me to delay shifting out of Park.
It would seem GM should update their "Why It Happens" explanation to include comments regarding what leads up to the need to replace the shifter.
Anyway, I was hoping to understand what is actually changing. Had I read all the threads relating to this issue prior to my visit to the dealer today, I would have taken the time to press them for more information.
They told me they would diagnose the problem and if I decided not to get it fixed, they would charge me for the diagnosis. I told them to forget it. But, they did the "diagnosis" anyway and suggested I have them replace the shifter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,244
Likes: 221
From: Dryden MI
GM knew of this problem in other cars in the early 2000s. I have a 2004 DTS and it has an access panel to allow you to get the car out of park. It is buried under a pad and the information is in the owners manual. Too bad they did not do this for the C6. None of us want to have our cars flat beded anywhere, especially when GM knew it was an issue, and they had a temporary fix for the owners. It is also embarrassing to have a premier car broke down.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: shawnee kansas
Yes. Without a new design, it's bound to. You'd think if engineers are able to design an automobile as beautiful and long lasting as the Corvette, that those same engineers would feel compelled to analyze the design shortcomings of the "Shifter Assembly" and improve it. To do so is necessary if not for its reliability, then at least for the safety aspect of the current design.
But, of course, to admit the design had to be changed, would be to admit there is an issue with it that could result in further consequences.
I plan to enter a "complaint" today at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ . There are already several there regarding this subject.
But, of course, to admit the design had to be changed, would be to admit there is an issue with it that could result in further consequences.
I plan to enter a "complaint" today at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ . There are already several there regarding this subject.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: shawnee kansas
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
GM knew of this problem in other cars in the early 2000s. I have a 2004 DTS and it has an access panel to allow you to get the car out of park. It is buried under a pad and the information is in the owners manual. Too bad they did not do this for the C6. None of us want to have our cars flat bedded anywhere, especially when GM knew it was an issue, and they had a temporary fix for the owners. It is also embarrassing to have a premier car broke down.
What I've said was, that if I got stuck somewhere because of this problem I would cut the shifter boot apart and release the pawl in favor of getting it towed.
To tie the pawl back before the problem appears, or to cut the shifter boot as above and then fixing it later both require removing the console. Of course, I would have to buy a new boot with choice #2.
What I'd like to know: Is it possible to get at the pawl by cutting the boot?
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
I'm not sure where/how this "delay" shifting out of park ever got out as a cure for this problem. This problem is deeper than travel time of current. I mean lets face it, electricity travels at about 186,000 miles per second, just how long should it take to travel the 3-4 feet to the solenoid ? Most forum members have hit the nail on the head as the problem is the solenoid itself failing. And you can't buy the solenoid by itself, you have to buy the whole shifter assembly.....Thanks GM.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 66
From: Orlando Florida
Mine is a 2008 with 20,000 miles. I do plan to drill the hole in the latch and wire it back per your advice and photos to prevent being stuck in Park.
Thank you for providing GM's explanation.
It seems the pre-amble you quoted infers the problem is easily avoided if you give the system a few seconds to get in sync. However, we know that the assembly seems to be deteriorating due to stretching or temperature or something wearing down.
And, today, the dealer's cure was to replace the shifter assembly for $700 rather than to simply tell me to delay shifting out of Park.
It would seem GM should update their "Why It Happens" explanation to include comments regarding what leads up to the need to replace the shifter.
Anyway, I was hoping to understand what is actually changing. Had I read all the threads relating to this issue prior to my visit to the dealer today, I would have taken the time to press them for more information.
They told me they would diagnose the problem and if I decided not to get it fixed, they would charge me for the diagnosis. I told them to forget it. But, they did the "diagnosis" anyway and suggested I have them replace the shifter.
Thank you for providing GM's explanation.
It seems the pre-amble you quoted infers the problem is easily avoided if you give the system a few seconds to get in sync. However, we know that the assembly seems to be deteriorating due to stretching or temperature or something wearing down.
And, today, the dealer's cure was to replace the shifter assembly for $700 rather than to simply tell me to delay shifting out of Park.
It would seem GM should update their "Why It Happens" explanation to include comments regarding what leads up to the need to replace the shifter.
Anyway, I was hoping to understand what is actually changing. Had I read all the threads relating to this issue prior to my visit to the dealer today, I would have taken the time to press them for more information.
They told me they would diagnose the problem and if I decided not to get it fixed, they would charge me for the diagnosis. I told them to forget it. But, they did the "diagnosis" anyway and suggested I have them replace the shifter.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
I tied my pawl back 3-4 years ago and can't really remember the set up. A wild guess would be to say that yes that one may be able to access the needed area after cutting a hole in the boot. I guess if one got the chance to study an already opened up shifter assembly then they could narrow down where to make the cut and keep it to a minimum, possibly making a small enough hole where as it could be repaired and not noticed. But I guess in a pinch I would rather just cut the heck out of the boot and replace it cause having to get towed sux !!!! I'm sure there are some pics of the exposed shifter and pawl available in this forum.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 52
From: East Tennessee
I've made this comment before on other threads, but have yet to hear anyone's opinion on it.
What I've said was, that if I got stuck somewhere because of this problem I would cut the shifter boot apart and release the pawl in favor of getting it towed.
To tie the pawl back before the problem appears, or to cut the shifter boot as above and then fixing it later both require removing the console. Of course, I would have to buy a new boot with choice #2.
What I'd like to know: Is it possible to get at the pawl by cutting the boot?
What I've said was, that if I got stuck somewhere because of this problem I would cut the shifter boot apart and release the pawl in favor of getting it towed.
To tie the pawl back before the problem appears, or to cut the shifter boot as above and then fixing it later both require removing the console. Of course, I would have to buy a new boot with choice #2.
What I'd like to know: Is it possible to get at the pawl by cutting the boot?
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...k-finally.html
Post #18 in this thread shows how to remove the boot with the console off to gain access to the pawl.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: shawnee kansas
Has anyone confirmed that the solenoid indeed weakens with time? I don't understand why the magnetic field of a coil of wire would "weaken". And if the coil went "Open" the problem would not be intermittent. Is there a chance the grease on the pawl or the solenoid core drys up and therefore friction is too great? Or maybe the plastic wears slightly and if the Pawl was filed some, it could be disengaged more easily from the assembly(?)
Assuming those ideas have no merit, I like the idea that one poster mentioned of drilling a hole in the pawl and bringing the wire back into the center console. Maybe use a guitar string and put a small black **** on the end? Then when the pawl locks, you would just pull the **** to unlock the assembly.
Seems crazy that we have to come up with this stuff rather than GM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
If the lock mechanism is currently working just press your finger down into the boot and you should be able to feel it disengage when you put your foot on the brake. Then you'll know right where it is if you want to cut the boot.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
But I think that poster said that if you know exactly where it is, that you can manipulate it through the boot to unlock it.
Is this actually possible? Having never taken mine apart, I'm not sure by looking at all the pictures if this is possible. If it is, then that's all the "fix" we need -- especially for lazy people like me who don't want to take the console apart and do the permanent fix.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: shawnee kansas
I now feel confident that if the car was stuck in Park while away from a set of tools, you could slice the boot and gain access to the location of the pawl. Although I think it wiser to make some sort of fix now with the console lifted rather than to slice your boot later.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 21,631
Likes: 1,144
From: Below the bottom of Berby Hollow, NYS
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 134
Likes: 6
From: Pennington Texas
Yes. Without a new design, it's bound to. You'd think if engineers are able to design an automobile as beautiful and long lasting as the Corvette, that those same engineers would feel compelled to analyze the design shortcomings of the "Shifter Assembly" and improve it. To do so is necessary if not for its reliability, then at least for the safety aspect of the current design.
But, of course, to admit the design had to be changed, would be to admit there is an issue with it that could result in further consequences.
I plan to enter a "complaint" today at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ . There are already several there regarding this subject.
But, of course, to admit the design had to be changed, would be to admit there is an issue with it that could result in further consequences.
I plan to enter a "complaint" today at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ . There are already several there regarding this subject.