1998 Dodge Neon shifter stuck in park

BGARRETSON

MEMBER
1998 DODGE NEON
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

My car ran an drove just fine when I parked it but today when I went to drive it. Its stuck in park if u push the button on the shifter an pull back it wont move much. I was able to get it to move in reverse by holdin the shifter till the reverse kicked in. Went backwards but thats it. Wont move all the way in reverse just close enough for the tranny to click in. What could be the problem

2 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Have the shift interlock control system checked out-could be a problem with the shift control solenoid, also the brake switch

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Thursday, August 26th, 2010 AT 2:32 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

That would be called the shift interlock feature. It operates on the same circuit as the brake lights so the first thing you want to do is to make sure the brake lights are working when this problem is present. If the brake lights are working, that proves the circuit is good up to that point, then you'll have to get to the solenoid in the console. Disassemble as much as you have to to access the solenoid near the shifting mechanism. Us a 12v test light to test for power coming and going at the solenoid when the brake is applied. If power is arriving and switching and the solenoid is not triggering, the solenoid is bad and will have to be replaced.