Honda Car Forum

All of a sudden I can't shift out of park after starting my 1990 Honda
Accord LX (Automatic Transmission). I end up having to shut off the
engine and then using the Shift Lock Release to manually shift to
neutral. Then I can start my car and drive and shift gears without
problem. But once I shift back to park the gear locks up again. Any
idea what the problem is and what approximate repair cost is??? Thanks
a bunch.
Qgoogle

Well there's a sensor that unlocks the shifter when you press the brake
pedal. Maybe that sensor is malfunctioning. Either that, or your
shift-lock solenoid might need to be replaced.

Sean

"QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:b4d602c1.0406121747.48ffc23@posting.google.co m...
> All of a sudden I can't shift out of park after starting my 1990 Honda
> Accord LX (Automatic Transmission). I end up having to shut off the
> engine and then using the Shift Lock Release to manually shift to
> neutral. Then I can start my car and drive and shift gears without
> problem. But once I shift back to park the gear locks up again. Any
> idea what the problem is and what approximate repair cost is??? Thanks
> a bunch.
> Qgoogle

Or more specifically, there is a switch at the brake pedal and a
solenoid next to the shift lever. If you remove the trim around the
shift lever you'll probably see the solenoid.

On many cars there is also a connection to the ECU that indicates the
position of the gas pedal (if you are stepping on the gas, you can not
shift out of park on some cars), so the throttle position sensor can be
a problem as well.

Start by checking if your brake lights work. If they don't, you can be
quite certain that the brake pedal switch is the problem. However, if
the brake lights do work, it does not necessarily mean that the brake
pedal switch is OK, often separate sets of contacts are used for
different functions.

Sean D wrote:
>
> Well there's a sensor that unlocks the shifter when you press the brake
> pedal. Maybe that sensor is malfunctioning. Either that, or your
> shift-lock solenoid might need to be replaced.
>
> Sean
>
> "QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:b4d602c1.0406121747.48ffc23@posting.google.co m...
> > All of a sudden I can't shift out of park after starting my 1990 Honda
> > Accord LX (Automatic Transmission). I end up having to shut off the
> > engine and then using the Shift Lock Release to manually shift to
> > neutral. Then I can start my car and drive and shift gears without
> > problem. But once I shift back to park the gear locks up again. Any
> > idea what the problem is and what approximate repair cost is??? Thanks
> > a bunch.
> > Qgoogle

Thankyou for all the replies!
I checked the Brake Lights, and they dont work!!
(1) So can i conclude for sure that the brake pedal switch
is the problem ? Or is there a possibility that something
else might be wrong too! Like some fuse etc ?
(2) How much do you think would be the cost to get the brake
pedal switch replaced/fixed?
Thanks!
QGoogle



Randolph <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message news:<40CBFAB2.EF58BCB@junkmail.com>...
> Or more specifically, there is a switch at the brake pedal and a
> solenoid next to the shift lever. If you remove the trim around the
> shift lever you'll probably see the solenoid.
>
> On many cars there is also a connection to the ECU that indicates the
> position of the gas pedal (if you are stepping on the gas, you can not
> shift out of park on some cars), so the throttle position sensor can be
> a problem as well.
>
> Start by checking if your brake lights work. If they don't, you can be
> quite certain that the brake pedal switch is the problem. However, if
> the brake lights do work, it does not necessarily mean that the brake
> pedal switch is OK, often separate sets of contacts are used for
> different functions.
>
> Sean D wrote:
> >
> > Well there's a sensor that unlocks the shifter when you press the brake
> > pedal. Maybe that sensor is malfunctioning. Either that, or your
> > shift-lock solenoid might need to be replaced.
> >
> > Sean
> >
> > "QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:b4d602c1.0406121747.48ffc23@posting.google.co m...
> > > All of a sudden I can't shift out of park after starting my 1990 Honda
> > > Accord LX (Automatic Transmission). I end up having to shut off the
> > > engine and then using the Shift Lock Release to manually shift to
> > > neutral. Then I can start my car and drive and shift gears without
> > > problem. But once I shift back to park the gear locks up again. Any
> > > idea what the problem is and what approximate repair cost is??? Thanks
> > > a bunch.
> > > Qgoogle

QGoogle wrote:
>
> Thankyou for all the replies!
> I checked the Brake Lights, and they dont work!!
> (1) So can i conclude for sure that the brake pedal switch
> is the problem ? Or is there a possibility that something
> else might be wrong too! Like some fuse etc ?

It certainly could be the fuse. There is usually a diagram on the fuse
box lid indicating which fuse is for what. If the brake light fuse is
blown, and the replacement fuse blows as soon as you step on the brakes,
there is a short in the system, typically a burned out bulb (they
sometimes become dead shorts when they burn out).


> (2) How much do you think would be the cost to get the brake
> pedal switch replaced/fixed?

List price for the switch is around $50 from the dealer. Dealers here in
Northern California usually charge 20% above list. Bastards. Labor
should be less than half an hour.

for some time now i have been having difficulty ( a very stiff action, which
seems as i could do damage ) moving my 92 accord coupe auto (101km) gear
shift into and out of the park position. I read recently in a news Q/A
article about the same thing , but on a CITROEN.
the advice was that the gearbox clutches were worn and that to persist in
forcing the lever in/ out of park could lead to serious damage to the
gearbox and to just drive as normal, but do not put the stick in park
has anyone come across this before ?

"QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:b4d602c1.0406130923.30149700@posting.google.c om...
> Thankyou for all the replies!
> I checked the Brake Lights, and they dont work!!
> (1) So can i conclude for sure that the brake pedal switch
> is the problem ? Or is there a possibility that something
> else might be wrong too! Like some fuse etc ?
> (2) How much do you think would be the cost to get the brake
> pedal switch replaced/fixed?
> Thanks!
> QGoogle
>
>
>
> Randolph <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
news:<40CBFAB2.EF58BCB@junkmail.com>...
> > Or more specifically, there is a switch at the brake pedal and a
> > solenoid next to the shift lever. If you remove the trim around the
> > shift lever you'll probably see the solenoid.
> >
> > On many cars there is also a connection to the ECU that indicates the
> > position of the gas pedal (if you are stepping on the gas, you can not
> > shift out of park on some cars), so the throttle position sensor can be
> > a problem as well.
> >
> > Start by checking if your brake lights work. If they don't, you can be
> > quite certain that the brake pedal switch is the problem. However, if
> > the brake lights do work, it does not necessarily mean that the brake
> > pedal switch is OK, often separate sets of contacts are used for
> > different functions.
> >
> > Sean D wrote:
> > >
> > > Well there's a sensor that unlocks the shifter when you press the
brake
> > > pedal. Maybe that sensor is malfunctioning. Either that, or your
> > > shift-lock solenoid might need to be replaced.
> > >
> > > Sean
> > >
> > > "QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:b4d602c1.0406121747.48ffc23@posting.google.co m...
> > > > All of a sudden I can't shift out of park after starting my 1990
Honda
> > > > Accord LX (Automatic Transmission). I end up having to shut off the
> > > > engine and then using the Shift Lock Release to manually shift to
> > > > neutral. Then I can start my car and drive and shift gears without
> > > > problem. But once I shift back to park the gear locks up again. Any
> > > > idea what the problem is and what approximate repair cost is???
Thanks
> > > > a bunch.
> > > > Qgoogle

In article <caiahd$97v$1@hercules.btinternet.com>,
dangerousubstance@yahoo.com says...
> for some time now i have been having difficulty ( a very stiff action, which
> seems as i could do damage ) moving my 92 accord coupe auto (101km) gear
> shift into and out of the park position. I read recently in a news Q/A
> article about the same thing , but on a CITROEN.
> the advice was that the gearbox clutches were worn and that to persist in
> forcing the lever in/ out of park could lead to serious damage to the
> gearbox and to just drive as normal, but do not put the stick in park
> has anyone come across this before ?
>
> "QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:b4d602c1.0406130923.30149700@posting.google.c om...
> > Thankyou for all the replies!
> > I checked the Brake Lights, and they dont work!!
> > (1) So can i conclude for sure that the brake pedal switch
> > is the problem ? Or is there a possibility that something
> > else might be wrong too! Like some fuse etc ?
> > (2) How much do you think would be the cost to get the brake
> > pedal switch replaced/fixed?
> > Thanks!
> > QGoogle
> >
> >
> >
> > Randolph <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
> news:<40CBFAB2.EF58BCB@junkmail.com>...
> > > Or more specifically, there is a switch at the brake pedal and a
> > > solenoid next to the shift lever. If you remove the trim around the
> > > shift lever you'll probably see the solenoid.
> > >
> > > On many cars there is also a connection to the ECU that indicates the
> > > position of the gas pedal (if you are stepping on the gas, you can not
> > > shift out of park on some cars), so the throttle position sensor can be
> > > a problem as well.
> > >
> > > Start by checking if your brake lights work. If they don't, you can be
> > > quite certain that the brake pedal switch is the problem. However, if
> > > the brake lights do work, it does not necessarily mean that the brake
> > > pedal switch is OK, often separate sets of contacts are used for
> > > different functions.
> > >
> > > Sean D wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Well there's a sensor that unlocks the shifter when you press the
> brake
> > > > pedal. Maybe that sensor is malfunctioning. Either that, or your
> > > > shift-lock solenoid might need to be replaced.
> > > >
> > > > Sean
> > > >
> > > > "QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
In most automatic transmissions, there is a 'Parking Pawl' that engages
the driveshaft inside the transmission to keep the vehicle from rolling
when parked. This condition usually happens when you stop on a slope and
place the gear into park. The vehicle rolls a little causing this to
bind making it very difficult to get out of park. When stopping and
placing the transmission into park, set the parking brake and see if this
helps. I kind of remember seeing something to this effect in the owners
manual. You might have someone rock the vehicle the next time this
happens and see if that helps.

Randy

Hello! I had this same problem in my former car, a 1992 Mercury Topaz. I
could not shift out of park, and all the brake lights were out.

Note that it might not only be a fuse. In my case, it was a broken and
disconnected switch "box" that is underneath the brake pedal. The box
is connected to a cable that goes to the brake pedal. The tabs holding
this box in place broke, and my foot occasionally dislodged the brake
wire, causing the brake lights to malfunction and the shifter to lock up.

I recommend that, until you can get this properly repaired, activate your
hazard lights when slowing down for traffic lights and stop signs, to
alert drivers behind you. You can turn off your flashers when accelerating.

Paul

QGoogle wrote:
> All of a sudden I can't shift out of park after starting my 1990 Honda
> Accord LX (Automatic Transmission). I end up having to shut off the
> engine and then using the Shift Lock Release to manually shift to
> neutral. Then I can start my car and drive and shift gears without
> problem. But once I shift back to park the gear locks up again. Any
> idea what the problem is and what approximate repair cost is??? Thanks
> a bunch.
> Qgoogle
+++++++++++++++

Replace three (or more - read your manual) brake light bulbs after you
determine that they are burnt out. Listen for the tiny 'click' when you
step on the brake pedal and verify that brake lights now work. You
probably need the effective LENGTH of the shift linkage adjusted, to
allow shift lever to go in and out of PARK. I don't know if this is done
from below, but it's not going to be more than a half hour labor.

The Citroen problem mentioned is on a different (manual w/synchromesh)
tranny, built in a different country. Don't get sidetracked.

'Curly'

"Randy Hunt" <rhunt960@tco.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1b3662715acc9d1d9896bd@news.tco.net...
> In article <caiahd$97v$1@hercules.btinternet.com>,
> dangerousubstance@yahoo.com says...
> > for some time now i have been having difficulty ( a very stiff action,
which
> > seems as i could do damage ) moving my 92 accord coupe auto (101km)
gear
> > shift into and out of the park position. I read recently in a news Q/A
> > article about the same thing , but on a CITROEN.
> > the advice was that the gearbox clutches were worn and that to persist
in
> > forcing the lever in/ out of park could lead to serious damage to the
> > gearbox and to just drive as normal, but do not put the stick in park
> > has anyone come across this before ?
> >
> > "QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:b4d602c1.0406130923.30149700@posting.google.c om...
> > > Thankyou for all the replies!
> > > I checked the Brake Lights, and they dont work!!
> > > (1) So can i conclude for sure that the brake pedal switch
> > > is the problem ? Or is there a possibility that something
> > > else might be wrong too! Like some fuse etc ?
> > > (2) How much do you think would be the cost to get the brake
> > > pedal switch replaced/fixed?
> > > Thanks!
> > > QGoogle
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Randolph <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:<40CBFAB2.EF58BCB@junkmail.com>...
> > > > Or more specifically, there is a switch at the brake pedal and a
> > > > solenoid next to the shift lever. If you remove the trim around the
> > > > shift lever you'll probably see the solenoid.
> > > >
> > > > On many cars there is also a connection to the ECU that indicates
the
> > > > position of the gas pedal (if you are stepping on the gas, you can
not
> > > > shift out of park on some cars), so the throttle position sensor can
be
> > > > a problem as well.
> > > >
> > > > Start by checking if your brake lights work. If they don't, you can
be
> > > > quite certain that the brake pedal switch is the problem. However,
if
> > > > the brake lights do work, it does not necessarily mean that the
brake
> > > > pedal switch is OK, often separate sets of contacts are used for
> > > > different functions.
> > > >
> > > > Sean D wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Well there's a sensor that unlocks the shifter when you press the
> > brake
> > > > > pedal. Maybe that sensor is malfunctioning. Either that, or your
> > > > > shift-lock solenoid might need to be replaced.
> > > > >
> > > > > Sean
> > > > >
> > > > > "QGoogle" <qgoogle@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> In most automatic transmissions, there is a 'Parking Pawl' that engages
> the driveshaft inside the transmission to keep the vehicle from rolling
> when parked. This condition usually happens when you stop on a slope and
> place the gear into park. The vehicle rolls a little causing this to
> bind making it very difficult to get out of park. When stopping and
> placing the transmission into park, set the parking brake and see if this
> helps. I kind of remember seeing something to this effect in the owners
> manual. You might have someone rock the vehicle the next time this
> happens and see if that helps.
>
> Randy

You're very right. I was tought by driver training that when parking, to
put the car in neutral, pull the parking brake and then release the brake.
Let the car come to rest on the parking brake, then put the car in park.
This prevent the strain the on tranny that you mentioned.