2002 Honda Accord Gear Shift Button Wont Depress on Start

HONEYFLOWER

MEMBER
2002 HONDA ACCORD

Transmission problem
2002 Honda Accord 6 cyl Automatic 70.000 miles

It is an occasional problem that has become an almost always problem. At first I solved it by depressing brake pedal and turning the steering wheel all the way one way. Then I found (from reading a posting by Jeff) that I could get the shift button to depress by poking a narrow wooden makeup applicator into a slot to the left of the shift stick. Brake lights and horn are fine. Is this something I can fix myself? Or with the info I've written, can you diagnose the problem - I'd like to have an idea what is wrong if I have to take it in. Any problems with my continuing to use my "magic wand" routinely to start my car? Thanks so much for any help.

3 Replies

HONDA TECH 1818

MECHANIC
536 POSTS

If the brake lights are working all the time, I'm guessing the brake light switch is ok. It coiuld be a bad mutiplex control unit in the driver's side fuse box.

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Sunday, June 13th, 2010 AT 1:28 AM

HONEYFLOWER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks, King. Is this something that I could replace myself? I know there is a fuse box under my hood. Alternatively, does it sound like pulling up the car part around the gear shift and emergency brake and cleaning up down there might fix the problem? I remember a cap came off something I had in the front seat and maybe something seeped into the area below the gear shift. Or maybe a little W-40? Is there a way to open up that area? Thanks very much.