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Why is my gear shift stuck in park?
Help! I just walked out to my car to leave for work, and I can’t get it out of park! This is a huge problem—I don’t have any other way to get around. Why is my gear shift stuck in park?
Heather Bernhard · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I totally understand your frustration. Luckily, when a
transmission
gets stuck in park, it’s usually caused by a minor mechanical issue. Let’s try to figure out what’s going on, so you can get back on the job! When an automatic vehicle gets stuck in park, it’s often due to a problem with the parking pawl.
The parking pawl prevents unintended movement when the vehicle is in “park.” It’s a lever-like device that engages a special parking gear linked to the transmission’s output shaft. The praw disengages this gear when any alternate shifter selection gets selected—but sometimes it gets stuck.
Common causes are:
- You’re parked on a hill: When you park on a steep incline, pressure on the praw can cause it to get jammed into the parking gear. In this case, you have to relieve the stress to switch gears—often by recruiting another person to help you rock the vehicle back and forth.
- The shifter interlock is stuck: To see if this is the case, turn the key to the accessory position, then move the shifter to the neutral position and try to turn on the car. If the car turns on, it means the shifter interlock was stuck.
- The brake switch failed: If a car’s brake switch has failed, the shift interlock will act as if the brake was never depressed. The easiest way to test this is to have a helper see if your brake lights turn on when you depress the brake. If they don’t, the switch is likely bad and needs replacing.
If none of these measures reveal the problem, it’s time to see a mechanic. Something more serious may be in play.
While
auto insurance
can’t help you pay for repairs related to wear and tear, it can make sure you’re covered in the case of an emergency. Jerry
can help you find the right policy to meet your needs on your budget. It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from top providers.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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