Our van won't shift out of park?

Question

2001 Town&Country van. I'm guessing from research I've done today that the problem is with the shift/brake lock feature. My question is, is there an override switch for it somewhere on this particular model so we can drive it to a garage? It's difficult to find a mechanic on a weekend, especially at a dealer. I've read that some cars have this feature.

It isn't on a hill

Answer 1

On this model, there is not a release lever or mechanism to release if the interlock fails.
The most common failures that YOU can address are---
1) Check the fuses, in particular the brake light fuse
2) Check the brake light switch

With the key in the RUN position, place your foot on the brake pedal and ask a friend to tell you if the brake lights come on.
If not, and the fuses are good, then probably the switch has failed. You can purchase one at the parts house closest to you, and other than difficult to reach, is pretty simple to replace.
If your brake lights DO come on, then your failure is either in the solenoid that releases the interlock, or the very small gage wire, cable or linkage at the brake pedal leading to the shift lock is damaged, broken or loose enough to fail to move the lock free.

Answer 2

This is especially vulnerable to locking up when parked on a hill. The problem can sometimes come an go at will (not your will, the car's will.)

Answer 3

Make sure you have power (vehicle is running) and press your foot on the brake to disengauge the shiftlock mechanism. which helps you put into gear. or look under the dash to see if the wire is still hooked up to the switch which activates the release.

Answer 4

wiggle the shifter up and down alittle while applying the brake
Are you parked on a hill..?

Push the shifter toward park more
apply the brake try to shift.

Don't be afraid to pull on it alittle but not to much

Answer 5

Woah.