What to Do When Your Car Won’t Go Into Park
It’s a heart-stopping moment when you try to shift your car into park, and it won’t budge. You’re left feeling stranded and wondering what to do next. I know this feeling as it happened to me on a busy city street recently. Fortunately, I was able to remain calm and figure out how to resolve the issue.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to try and get your car into park. Here’s what you need to know.
Check the Shift Lock
The shift lock is a safety feature that prevents you from shifting your car out of park without first depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lock is engaged, you won’t be able to move the gear selector into any other gear.
To check the shift lock, make sure that your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. If the shift lock is engaged, you should feel a button or lever that you can press to release it. Once the shift lock is released, you should be able to shift your car into park.
Check the Brake Pedal
In some cases, your car won’t go into park if the brake pedal is not depressed fully. Make sure that your foot is firmly on the brake pedal and try shifting your car into park again.
Check the Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch is a small switch that tells your car’s computer when the brake pedal is depressed. If the brake light switch is faulty, your car may not go into park even if you are pressing on the brake pedal.
To check the brake light switch, turn on your headlights and press on the brake pedal. If the brake lights don’t come on, the brake light switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
Check the Gear Selector Linkage
The gear selector linkage is a mechanical connection between the gear selector and the transmission. If the gear selector linkage is loose or damaged, it may prevent your car from going into park.
To check the gear selector linkage, look under your car and locate the transmission. You should see a linkage connecting the gear selector to the transmission. Inspect the linkage for any signs of wear or damage. If the linkage is loose or damaged, it will need to be tightened or replaced.
Get Professional Help
If you’ve tried all of the above and your car still won’t go into park, it’s time to call for professional help. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and repair your car so that it shifts properly.
Explanation of Tips and Expert Advice
The tips and expert advice provided above can help you troubleshoot the problem and get your car into park. If you’re not comfortable working on your car yourself, it’s best to call for professional help.
Once you’ve gotten your car into park, it’s important to have the underlying problem diagnosed and repaired so that it doesn’t happen again. A mechanic can inspect your car and make sure that all of the components are working properly.
FAQ
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Q: Why won’t my car go into park?
A: There are several reasons why your car may not go into park, including a faulty shift lock, brake light switch, or gear selector linkage. -
Q: How can I check the shift lock?
A: Make sure that your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. If the shift lock is engaged, you should feel a button or lever that you can press to release it. -
Q: How can I check the brake light switch?
A: Turn on your headlights and press on the brake pedal. If the brake lights don’t come on, the brake light switch may be faulty and will need to be replaced. -
Q: How can I check the gear selector linkage?
A: Look under your car and locate the transmission. You should see
a linkage connecting the gear selector to the transmission. Inspect the linkage for any signs of wear or damage. If the linkage is loose or damaged, it will need to be tightened or replaced. -
Q: What should I do if my car still won’t go into park?
A: If you’ve tried all of the above and your car still won’t go into park, it’s time to call for professional help. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and repair your car so that it shifts properly.
Conclusion
If your car won’t go into park, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to try and get your car into park. If you’re not comfortable working on your car yourself, it’s best to call for professional help.
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