When my engine is started, and I press on my brake pedal to unlock my gears to shift from park to drive, it won't unlock sometimes and I can't do anything! I noticed it the first time about a month ago, and it seems to be happening more often. I have noticed that I can also pull my key out of the ignition while the car is running! My manual doesn't say that my car has this capability. What's wrong with it? It's a 2000 Saturn LS. and has been in an accident... I slipped in snow and rammed into a curb going about 25 mph... got the damaged fixed, but I noticed that when I steer, sometimes my front tires make this jerking movement. aaaaaaaaaaaa help...
2007-09-28 10:26:10 · 7 answers · asked by Jess 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The part about the shifter being locked. There is a switch that controls it. Switch is probably going bad. Volkswagen had a big recall on the same problem. Check beside the gearshift lever, there may be a manual release. The key should not come out of the ignition while in the on position. Sounds like someone pulled it out and broke the stop. The jerk in the steering could be the power steering belt slipping.
2007-09-28 10:33:03 · answer #1 · answered by renpen 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
About the shifting. Pressing the brakes is a security feature to make sure that it is safe to shift gears. Sometimes out of wear and tear it stops working properly so it doesn't know that you are actually pressing the brake pedal, therefore it doesn't shift.
If you look next to the shifting gear sometimes there is a release button that you could press down and it will let you shift. If not then take it to a mechanic and have him fix it. It doesn't sound like is something to expensive.
About the jerking movement. After an accident no matter how well you fix your car it is impossible to restore it to perfection. It takes a certain level of balance within the structure of the car to be able to run without any jerking movements. Any little accident could change that balance a bit and cause the jerking. But if it happens only when you are taking a curb there is a good chance that is your joints. Kind of like the springs that keep the car running smooth even when the tire run over a hole. If you buy them new they could be expensive, but you could get them restored at certain shops specializing on those. There is very little difference between new and restored and actually i don't think that the ones that you buy are new, they are factory restored anyways. Restoring them is not that expensive.
2007-09-28 17:38:42 · answer #2 · answered by hip lil grl 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Something in the front suspension isn't repaired properly - get it fixed ASAP. If the repair was recent, and insurance covered the damage, then they should cover the cost.
All cars have a switch on the brake system (usually on the pedal itself) that lets the trans know that you have pushed the brake pedal before shifting out of park - this has been a legal requirement for many years. If the switch has shaken loose or is wearing out, the car can't shift out of park.
And the key should never be able to be removed while the engine is running. The lock will need replacing.
Good luck!
2007-09-28 17:35:58 · answer #3 · answered by Me 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
not being able to take your car out of park could be a bad brake light switch. when this happens check and see if your brake lights are working. being able to remove the key from the ignition is due to a worn key cylinder. during your accident either you have a bent wheel or you have a bent or broken shock/strut tower. I would take that back to the body shop which fixed it and get them to look at it also let your insurance company know about the problem. they can assist you in making sure the body shop fixes your car like it should of been in the first place
2007-09-28 17:38:33 · answer #4 · answered by chuck t 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your key is probably worn out. As for the unlock issue, the solenoid that unlocks your shifter is probably beginning to fail.
Your jerking issue may be damaged belts in your tires or damaged wheels or damaged front end components. You can eliminate the tires and wheels by just rotating them.
Good Luck
2007-09-28 17:34:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't know what the problem is...but if your car has a little hole down by the gear stick...try putting a key down there. It unlocks it on mine when I can't move it.
2007-09-28 17:33:13 · answer #6 · answered by priestessofthepixels 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
besides being made by gm, your cars other problem is the ignition module
2007-09-28 17:33:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋