On 2/1/08 8:59 PM, in article
bcb7635f-309c-4f6f-8bb2-37f4e8bfd320...oglegroups.com,
"mindfulnessnow@gmail.com" <mindfulnessnow@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi, I just had my 2007 Civic lock itself in park several times and I
> was barely able to get it back to Drive so I could get to and from
> work today.
>
> I dug through the manual and found the little trick called the Shift
> Lock Release, which is a little slot right above the shift lever. You
> remove this cover - about 1/8" x 3/4" and push the key into it and
> then you can move the lever into neutral, start the car, then put it
> into reverse or drive.
>
> My question is, how common is this problem, what causes it, and why is
> it SO common that Honda even put this little slot there so you can
> deal with the problem relatively easily? Apparently this is a problem
> they have been having for some time, so they invented this little slot
> to help the owner over-ride the problem at least temporarily. So how
> long has this been going on?
>
> The manual says this is an indication that something is going wrong
> with the transmission.
>
> What should I expect when I take it into the shop on Monday?
>
> I bought Honda because it is supposed to be so reliable. Having a
> problem like this one year in, isn't a good sign...
>

Be glad you have a Honda with the slot. On a Nissan, you have to remove the
entire trim piece around the shifter and then guess at what to prod with a
screwdriver to get it to move.

The problem is a stuck shift lock. The cure will either be a simple
adjustment of the switch on the brake pedal that releases it or maybe
replacement of a part.

Should be quick and easy repair. Has nothing to do with the transmission
itself and the warranty should cover it --- unless its "Pepsi Syndrome".
You didn't perchance spill a drink in there to gum it up?