Gear shifter is locked and stuck in park

Tiny
JAMESMONTANO
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HYUNDAI SONATA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 204,183 MILES
The brake pedal is very hard to push down and the gear shifter is stuck and will not shift out of park. What is causing this problem and how can I fix it?
Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 8:59 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Hi,

If the engine is not running, the brake pedal will get stiff due to no engine vacuum. If when you start the engine it remains the same, that is most likely related to the vacuum brake booster.

Now, the vehicle has a shift interlock in the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from being shifted from park by accident. The release solenoid is powered via the brake light switch. So, first check to see if the brake lights are working. If they aren't, check fuses first. The brake light fuses is located in the vehicle fuse box. It is number 9. See the attached two pics.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

______________________________

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, February 27th, 2020 AT 3:06 PM

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