I have a 1995 Z28..Today it started but the shift was frozen in park..any ideas?

Question

This car was working fine and I let it sit for 3 weeks..
Wanted to take it out today and it started and then wouldn't shift out of park..I hit the brake real hard and still it would not move..

Answer 1

I'm not certain, but it sounds like the shift interlock isn't working correctly. (Keep in mind here, I'm primarily a Dodge mechanic) Most newer vehicles have some sort of shift interlock system. Basically, it keeps people from accidentally placing the vehicle in gear. Most of these use a solenoid, which is controlled by the brake light switch. It's normally located in-line with the shift cable. Assuming it's not a mechanical problem, ie. frozen cable or car parked on steep incline, this is where I would look first. The brake light switch, or it's adjustment, seems to be the most common culprit. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Sounds like the shift cable froze on you. But 3 weeks isnt that long a time. My Vette sits most of the Winter and no problem. Check under the car to see if anything is broken or lodged in the shift cable mechanism.

Answer 3

Try putting force left or right on the steering wheel. In some cars, the antitheft mechanism that locks the steering column interacts with the transmission lock out. If that doesn't work, the solenoid that locks the transmission is probably busted.