Cars have a shift lock release button that, when pressed, allows the driver to change gears without depressing the clutch. In some vehicles, this button is on the shifter knob; in others, it’s on the console near the shifter.
- Potential Causes Shift Lock Release Button Not Working
- How to Fix A Stuck Shift Lock Release Button
- Understanding How Car Transmission and The Shift Lock Work
- What Is Switch Lock Button, And How Does It Work?
- Do Cars Need a Shift Lock?
- Switch Lock System In Manual Vs. Automatic Transmissions
- Shift Interlock Solenoid
- Conclusion
Whether you are driving a manual or an automatic transmission car, then you know that the shift lock release button is an integral part of the process. This button lets you quickly move the shifter out of park and into gear. However, what do you do if this button isn’t working?
A few things can cause the shift lock release button or shift interlock solenoid to fail.
The most common reason is a problem with the electrical system. If the battery is dead or there is a problem with the fuse, then the shift lock release button or shift interlock solenoid will not work.
I will discuss each scenario in greater detail below, as well as other less likely causes for this issue.
Potential Causes Shift Lock Release Button Not Working
A few things can cause the shift interlock solenoid to fail. The most common reasons are:
1. Car Battery Is Dead
The car battery is one of the most important parts of the electrical system. If the battery is dead, then the shift lock release button or shift interlock solenoid will not work because there will be no power flowing to the shift interlock solenoid.
To fix this problem, you will need to jump-start the car. This will charge the dead battery enough to get the shift lock release button or shift interlock solenoid working again.
But if the car battery is completely dead, then you will need to replace it.
2. Problem With Fuse
If there is a problem with the fuse, then the shift lock release button or shift interlock solenoid will not work because there will be no power flowing to the shift interlock solenoid.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the blown fuse.
Related content: What Should I Do If Gear Shifter Moves but Doesn’t Change Gears?
3. A Problem With The Shift Interlock Solenoid
The solenoid plays an important role in the shift lock system. If there is a problem with the shift interlock solenoid, then it can prevent the car from being shifted out of park.
4. Shifter Interlock Is Broken
The shifter interlock is a safety device that prevents the car from being shifted out of park without depressing the brake pedal. If the shifter interlock is broken, then it can prevent the vehicle from being shifted out of park.
5. Brake Switch Failure
The brake switch is located near the brake pedal. The brake switch is responsible for sending a signal to the shift interlock solenoid when the brake pedal is depressed. If the brake switch fails, then it can prevent the car from being shifted out of the park.
To fix this problem, you will need to replace the brake switch.
Related content: Can I Drive With a Bad Transmission?
How to Fix A Stuck Shift Lock Release Button
You can do a few things to try to fix a stuck shift lock release button. The most common fix is to use a pencil to push the button.
Another way to try to fix a stuck shift lock release button is to tap on the Shift Lock Release Button with a hammer. This will sometimes jar the button loose.
To release a stuck shift lock, you can follow these steps:
- Engage the emergency brake, then insert the ignition key and turn it to on. You don’t have to start the engine. As long as you remember to engage the emergency brake, you’ll be done with this step.
- Find the slot for the shift lock override. It’s near the shifter handle on the console. A plastic cap may be covering the opening.
- Insert a key, a pencil, a nail file, or a screwdriver into the hole. Push it down and retain it while pushing it down.
- Taking the brake pedal off is easy. Simply hold the override while pushing down on the brake pedal.
- Spin the shifter as usual.
Understanding How Car Transmission and The Shift Lock Work
The car transmission system works by using a series of gears to change the speed and torque of the vehicle. The shift lock is a safety device that prevents the car from being shifted out of park without depressing the brake pedal.
The shift lock release button is a lifesaver. When the button fails to work, it can be a big problem.
Related content: Can ABS Sensor Cause Transmission Problems?
What Is Switch Lock Button, And How Does It Work?
The shift lock release button is a safety device that prevents the car from being shifted out of park without depressing the brake pedal. The button is usually located on the shifter knob or near the shifter. When you press the button, it releases the shifter so you can change gears.
In some cars, there is also a shift interlock solenoid that prevents the shifter from being moved out of park unless the brake pedal is depressed. The shift interlock solenoid is usually located next to the shift lock release button.
When the shift lock release button or shift interlock solenoid fails, it can prevent the car from being shifted out of park. This can be a big problem because it means the vehicle cannot be driven.
Do Cars Need a Shift Lock?
This is a safety measure implemented by car manufacturers to prevent drivers or other car occupants from bumping into gear by accident. A shift lock button can usually be found on older models, but it can be rarely seen on new vehicles.
Nowadays, you have to press the brake pedal when you want to change gears, eliminating the need for a shift lock button.
Switch Lock System In Manual Vs. Automatic Transmissions
The shift lock release button is found in both manual and automatic transmission cars. The button is usually located on the shifter knob in a manual transmission car. The button in an automatic transmission car is generally located on the console near the shifter.
In a manual transmission car, the shift lock release button releases the shifter so you can change gears. In an automatic transmission car, the shift lock release button is used to release the shifter so you can move the car out of park.
Related content: Why does my car die when put in gear?
Shift Interlock Solenoid
The shift interlock solenoid is a safety device that prevents the car from being shifted out of park without depressing the brake pedal. The shift interlock solenoid is usually located next to the shift lock release button.
When the shift interlock solenoid fails, it can prevent the car from being shifted out of park. This can be a big problem because it means the vehicle cannot be driven.
Conclusion
When your shift lock release button is not working, then it could be caused by a few different things. The most common causes are a dead car battery, a problem with the fuse, or a problem with the shift interlock solenoid.
If the shift lock release button is stuck, then you can try to fix it by using a pencil to push the button or by tapping on the button with a hammer.
You can also release a stuck shift lock by engaging the emergency brake and pushing down on the override while pushing down on the brake pedal. Finally, spin the shifter as usual.
Brian is an auto technician who writes DIY repair articles and creates how-to videos for MechanicAsk. He focuses on common repairs like brakes, oil changes, and lighting. Brian draws on his 5 years of dealership experience to explain repairs in an easy-to-follow manner, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. His technical articles always include detailed tool lists, supply checklists, and visual guides.
