Transmission shifter stuck in reverse

JONSOLOW13

MEMBER
2002 SATURN STATION WAGON
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
116,000 MILES

Just finished replacing the catalytic converter, repairing a leaking transmission line (and adding fluid). When we went to move the car it started great, shifted into reverse, and the shifter froze. It will not move out of reverse. But we can take the ignition key in and out of the ignition.

Can you tell me where the "bypass" button is located?

Then, can you give me your best ideas on the problem?

Thanks,

Jon

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,128 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, if you were able to shift to reverse, then it most likely has nothing to do with the park lock solenoid. With that being said, the first thing I need you to check is the shift cable which attaches at the range sensor on the transmission. I have a feeling that something is blocking the cable from shifting the transmission. You did a lot of work on the vehicle, and my first suspect is something is jammed with the cable or at the shift lever.

Take a look at picture 1. It shows where the cable attaches at the transmission. Inspect that area as well as the cable to it which go through the firewall to the inside of the vehicle and let me know what you find.

As far as the shift interlock, there is no button. However, the trans-axle can be shifted out of park without the brake pedal being depressed if ignition key is in ACC.

With that being said, keep in mind that the interlock release is actuated by power from the brake light switch. Check to see if the brake lights work. If they don't, let me know.

Joe

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Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 AT 8:19 PM

JONSOLOW13

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126 POSTS

Joe:

I was out of town for three days.

Your explanation was extremely helpful, particularly the diagram. The problem is a bad cable end. It slips off sometimes so when the shifter is in reverse. We are getting another cable.

Thanks again, you guys are awesome!

Jon

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Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 AT 9:34 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,128 POSTS

Welcome back, Jon. I'm happy it helped you. However, I can't leave it at that. Here are the directions specific to replacing the cable. The attached pics correlate with the directions. Hopefully this help.

___________________________________________________________

PROCEDURES
CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY

REMOVAL
1. Disable the SIR System.
2. Remove console.

Picture 1

3. Using a screwdriver disconnect control cable from control assembly.
4. Remove control cable retaining clip.
5. Depress tabs on control cable and remove cable from control assembly.

Picture 2

6. Disconnect control cable from trans-axle range switch lever.
7. Remove control cable retaining clip.
8. Depress two tabs on control cable and remove cable from control cable bracket.

Picture 3

9. Remove control cable grommet from dash panel.
10. Remove control cable from vehicle.

INSTALLATION

picture 4

1. Guide control cable through pass-through in dash panel.
2. Secure control cable grommet by pressing the cable into pass-through hole in dash panel.

Picture 5

3. Route control cable through cable bracket on power-train mount, and secure cable into bracket.
4. Install control cable retaining clip.

Picture 6

5. Connect control cable end to control assembly lever.
6. Connect control cable to pin on control assembly.
7. Secure control cable into control assembly by pushing into place.
8. Install control cable retaining clip.
9. Install console.
10. Adjust control cable assembly.
11. Enable the SIR system.

____________________________________

I hope this helps. Take care and if you anything, let me know.

Joe

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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 5:24 PM

JONSOLOW13

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126 POSTS

You guys are amazing!

I'll let you know how things turn out. The cable at the transmission end keeps slipping off, so we will try and create a fitting because it's hard to find a used cable and new ones are expensive.

Thanks again,

Jon

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Monday, March 4th, 2019 AT 10:18 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,128 POSTS

Not a problem, Jon. Let me know if I can help.

Take care and good luck. Do me a favor. When the connection is apart, check if there is a clip that is there. There should be something there holding it on.

Joe