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Automatic shifter question.

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Old Mar 4, 2025 | 03:56 PM
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Default Automatic shifter question.

I've got a 2005 C6 automatic that just came out of winter hibernation. I've had it out a couple of times where I've driven it a short distance and parked. Came back and started the car but unable to get the shifter to release from park so stuck in park. Today I had it happen again and noticed that by rocking the car front-to-back that the shifter released and was able to get it out of Park and into reverse or drive. Has anyone else had this happen? Is this a symptom of the bushings going bad on the shifter cable? Are there any YouTube videos or threads on how to fix this at home or is this something that has to go to the mechanic? Any info is appreciated.
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Old Mar 4, 2025 | 05:31 PM
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It sounds like the parking micro switch. Some cut the parking lock right off or install a wire to disengage it if needed. There have been a few recent threads with nice write ups on repairing. There is a replacement harness for plug and play too. If I were you I would fix it myself. The most difficult thing is some of the connector releases when taking off the center console.
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Old Mar 4, 2025 | 06:00 PM
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Yep micro switch,and to prove it, before you pull back on shifter with foot on the brake, push/bang the shifter forward hard, to help the microswitch to be pushed closed so continuity can pass through it, and should allow the shifter to unlock the locking pawl as it get energized.

Hence micro swich it used to energize the pawl solenoid with lever in part, and when lever is pulled out of park, breaks the continuity from the micro switch that is allowing the pawl solenoid to be engiezed, so the solenoid does not burn up from being energized all the time when the pawl lock is not needed.

As for switch, can be bought on amazon for a few dollar, and easy to replace the old switch in the shifter assembly.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...k-in-park.html
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Old Mar 4, 2025 | 06:04 PM
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Also to note, on the )5 A4 trans, there is another position sensor switch down at the trans lever as well. In some cases, it not just/or the shifter lever assembly micro switch that needs to be resolved, but the gear indicator switch down at the trans shift lever, that needs to be resolve so car knows that its in park to start with.
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Old Mar 5, 2025 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Aardwolf
It sounds like the parking micro switch. Some cut the parking lock right off or install a wire to disengage it if needed. There have been a few recent threads with nice write ups on repairing. There is a replacement harness for plug and play too. If I were you I would fix it myself. The most difficult thing is some of the connector releases when taking off the center console.
Aardwolf, I'm very interested in that replacement harness. Do you know what it's called and where it can be purchased? I'd prefer to remove the risk of it happening again.
Thanks.
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Old Mar 5, 2025 | 11:47 AM
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Here’s a link to the harness. https://www.corvettepartscenter.com/...r0SkHcGUFre75f

Even though they claim it’s for 2005 - 2013, I’d verify the fit for a 2005.
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Old Mar 5, 2025 | 11:38 PM
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Originally Posted by FatsWaller
Here’s a link to the harness. https://www.corvettepartscenter.com/...r0SkHcGUFre75f

Even though they claim it’s for 2005 - 2013, I’d verify the fit for a 2005.
Thank you. I'll check it out.
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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 12:29 PM
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One of the few issues the C6 suffered from....my 2008 did it a few years ago.
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 11:23 AM
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Well I've made my decision. I tried talking to the Chevy garage I bought the car from, the only way to get the harness is to buy the whole shifter: about $700. I talked to C&S Corvettes and they confirmed their wiring harness will work with my 05. I've ordered the harness, downloaded the video and plan to watch it a few times to see if I want to try swapping it myself or hire someone to do it. I appreciate all the info, Thanks Again.
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 12:06 PM
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Just out of interest, the place where you parked and the shifter was stuck, was the car on much of a fore to aft incline?
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 12:14 PM
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man...i would tie back that shifter locking pawl and call it a day. its not permanent but its effective.
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