What is the utility of a small push button just below the gear shaft releasing lock of automatic transmission

What make vehicle ? Most all vehicles have a safety system .Don't try an force anything you'll break it !
Electronic Park Lock (EPL)/Ignition Lock Cylinder Control Actuator: If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a floor mounted console gear shift, it has an ignition lock cylinder control actuator system in the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator purpose is to prevent the ignition key from being turned to the OFF position when the transmission is in any position other than PARK and the vehicle may still be moving. The column ignition lock system consists of an ignition lock cylinder control actuator, and a park position switch that is located in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder control actuator contains a pin that is spring loaded to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the lock position when the vehicle transmission is not in the PARK position. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the PARK position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column. They also have this on column mounted shifters !

that is park lock failure, build into the shifter section,it has an
electric solenoid lock. and a bypass button.
in the glove box, see oper. guide, it tells you where the erg. release
button location, and varies by sub body type and options.
its hidden cover, or a slot, on most cars. the slot type is to insert
any key in slot and push. bang, it opens (brake set,etc)

A shift solenoid controls oil flow to the clutch packs in an automatic transmission. It uses DC power to turn them on The clutch packs control which gear you want The torque converter is basically a slippable clutch when you accelerate it engages and drives the gearbox

Shift - interlock system problem .
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System
The automatic transmission shift lock control system is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the engine is running. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
• The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid
• The automatic transmission park lock solenoid
• The automatic transmission shift lock control switch
• The transmission range switch
With the ignition in the ON position, battery voltage is supplied to the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The circuit continues through the normally-closed switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The transmission range switch provides a path to ground for the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid in the PARK position. With the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid energized the shift lever is mechanically locked in the PARK position. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the contacts in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch open, de-energizing the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. This allows the shift lever to move from the PARK position. When the shift lever is out of the PARK position the controlled ground contacts in the transmission range switch open. This prevents the automatic transmission shift lock solenoid from energizing when the vehicle is out of the PARK position.

Headlight knobs are attached to a long stem into rueastat switch (dash light dimmer ) push the small button spring loaded of headlight switch behind dash panel. Knob with stem will come out. Careful not to turn on headlights & run battery dead.
Wiper knob has a release tang behind knob push up tang with a small screw driver ( pocket type flat ) or look for a small set screw on knob
Speedometer cable may be broken,loose from dashboard connection,loose from transmission or broken cable gear in trans. Not sure when ford swicthed to magnetic sensors. Possible lost pick up sensor on drive shaft

For Automatic transmission problem,click the link below:---- Automatic transmission troubleshooting:----

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/automatic-transmission-will-not-go-into.html

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Automatic transmission shift lever issues?-------

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/automatic-transmission-shift-lever-hard.html

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL? --

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-check-automatic-transmission.html

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-change-automatic-transmission.html

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Transmission fault light on car dash?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/transmission-fault-light-on-car-dash.html

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Transmission shifting problem?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/transmission-shifting-problem-on-toyota.html

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Transmission Slips out of 2nd gear?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-slips-out-of-2nd-gear.html

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OD light flashing and transmission fluid leaking?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/od-light-flashing-and-transmission.html

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Why Transmission fluid leaks near radiator?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-fluid-leaks-near-radiator.html

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Transmission fluid leaking?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-windstar-transmission-fluid.html

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****** wont go in reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-wont-go-in-reverse.html

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Automatic transmission will not go into reverse?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-automatic-transmission-will-not.html

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Transmission is making buzzing noise?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/transmission-is-making-buzzing-noise.html

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This will help.

Thanks.

Are you sure its stuck in 1st and not 3rd. Typically the transmission limp mode is direct drive and lock up and od will not work, and the transmission will not downshift. If this is the case then you could have a small problem like a transmission power relay or fuse blown, transmission power wire short to ground or open circuit, PCM could be corrupted, there are several possibilities.Sounds reasonable. Take a look at the linkage to the throttle body.The shift cable might be out of adjustment. Fairly simple instructions but hardly ever work as advertised.Find the shift cable on the throttle body. There is a release button just where the cable holder mounts to the intake. Push in the little button so the cable moves and push the cable back into the sheath as far as it goes. Then open the throttle plate to wide open. The cable should ratchet. If it doesn't you have to play a bit with the adjustment till it feels right to you.

If your Kia is automatic on the shifter is a large button that is your lock release button you press that button to shift down.

Right below that is your lock button to lock your transmisson into what ever gear it is set at that time to release it press that lock button again.

It is there to use to work like a manual in slippery conditions to help slow you down on a steep hill or just slippery conditions.

If that is not the problem check for leaks from transmission underneath and check your fluid level
the dip stick is located toward the right side of engine toward the back

The indication of a leak normally the transmission fluid is red in color so be looking for that type of color under your vehicle.

Transmission is difficult because everything is internal but some transmisson shops will check pan underneath for next to nothing to check for discoloration or for bearings or metal shavings

hopefully it is just the lock button.

If your kia is manual there is a whole host of problems then it could be a bent rod the tourqe converter the spring or bearings that will have to be checked by a Transmission's specialist.

Hello! It sounds as if your gear shift lock isn't working properly - it should release when you depress the brake pedal. You're not stuck, however. There is a small plastic piece to the side of the gear shift on the console - you can pry this piece up and off, revealing a hole underneath. Insert a screwdriver straight down and you will push on the manual gear shift release button - once you do that you will be able to move the gear shift. This can be caused by a few things - weak battery, or the release button is broken behind the brake pedal.


Hope this helps and good luck!

I am not entirely certain I understand what button you are describing. However I think you are talking about the button that has to be depressed in order to shift gears. Aside from the transmission not being able to return to the park position, it has no effect on the key being removed from the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition lock cylinder wearing out and not releasing is a very common problem and requires a new ignition lock cylinder.