2002 Honda Accord Car will not go into gear

KARNSE

MEMBER
2002 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

My 2002 Honda Accord (automatic) will not go into gear when I start it up. I need to pump the brakes and keep trying and it eventually goes into gear. The Maint. Req'd light does flash. I have checked all of my fluid levels and they look good, do I need to revisit this. I have not heard of another Accord having this problem. The car brakes fine once it is in gear. It just takes a little time to get it in gear. Your help is very much appreciated. Thanks.

Thursday, October 9th, 2008 AT 10:37 AM

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi karnse,

Thank you for the donation.

The problem you are experiencing is a fault with the interlock system.

It could be a faulty brake switch causing the problem as it is failing intermittently.

With key turned to ON, try depressing the brake pedal and listen for a click near the gear shift. If no click noise is present, the interlock is not working. Check the brake lights and if they don't work, the shift would not be able to move from Park to any other position.

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Thursday, October 9th, 2008 AT 11:48 AM

KARNSE

MEMBER
1 POST

I did as you have suggested and when it does work Brake lights are present. When it doesn't work the brake lights are not present (as you said). I have to exert quite a bit of pressure (on the brake) to get it to work. Does the interlock gradually go bad? If I wanted to repair this (and I do), is the brake interlock the proper name for what I am looking for? Also, where is this located on the car. Is it a difficult thing to replace myself or would I need to take the car to a dealer (which I would prefer not to do). Any ideas on my costs associated with replacing? Thanks for your time and help with the problem!

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Thursday, October 9th, 2008 AT 12:04 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi karnse,

No need to worry about the interlock system. The problem is with the brake switch on the brake pedal. Either it is out of adjustment or needs to be replaced.

You must get this problem solved because the switch is working intermittently and sometimes while driving, the brakes lights do not show when you are braking, this is a safety issue.

To replace the switch is quite easy but you must be able to squeeze under the dash to get at it.

Unplug the switch wire connector.
Unloosen the lock nut (12 mm hex nut)
Unscrew the switch from the seat and you can put in the new switch.
DO NOT over adjust the new switch. There must be at least 1 mm of free travel between switch and pedal. Over adjustment would cause premature brake wear and braking problems.

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Thursday, October 9th, 2008 AT 1:05 PM