When I turn the ignition switch on I often cannot get the stick shift to come out of Park. If I shift it out quickly it will often work but if I leave it to idle in Park for more than a few seconds it jams and will not shift out of Park. Any ideas?

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 the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
?€¢
The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid

?€¢
The automatic transmission shift lock control switch

With the ignition in the ON position, voltage is supplied to automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Voltage flows through the normally closed contacts of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is permanently grounded. This energizes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid causing the transmission shift lever to be physically locked in the PARK position. When the brake pedal is pressed 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 be move out of the PARK position.
Shift Lever Does Not Move with Brake Pedal Depressed ?

2

1. Turn ON the ignition.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Attempt to move the shift lever out of the PARK position.

Does the shift lever move out of the PARK position?
Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
Go to Step 3

3

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the automatic transmission shift lock control switch.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
4. Attempt to move the shift lever out of the PARK position.

Does the shift lever move out of the PARK position?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 4

4

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Leave the automatic transmission shift lock control switch disconnected.
3. Connect a test lamp between the A/T shift lock control solenoid supply voltage circuit at the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid and a good ground.
4. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

5

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the park lock solenoid and a good ground.
3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

Does the test lamp illuminate?
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 9

6

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the park lock solenoid and the park lock solenoid ground circuit.
3. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

Does the test lamp illuminate?
Go to Step 8
Go to Step 11

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 13

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the park lock/automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid assembly. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 12

9

Repair the open or high resistance in the park lock solenoid ignition 1 voltage circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing or Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 14
--

10

Repair short to battery positive voltage in the A/T shift lock control solenoid supply voltage circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing or Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 14
--

11

Repair the open or high resistance in the park lock solenoid ground circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing or Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 14
--

12

Important: Depress the button on the side of the shift lock actuator. With the button is depressed, cycle the plastic straw within the shift lever 3 to 5 times. The straw should move smoothly and freely except near the top of the travel where additional force will be required to mechanically actuate the park lock mechanism inside of the shift lock actuator. If there is stick/slip or abnormal friction while cycling the plastic straw or if the straw is altogether stuck in the lever, the entire control assembly (shifter and shift lock actuator) needs to be replaced. Refer to Transmission Control Replacement . If there is no abnormal friction, replace the shift lock actuator. Refer to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Actuator Replacement .
Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 14
--

13

Replace the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.
Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 14
--

14

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK
Go to Step 2

Do you have column or floor shifter ?
All automatic transaxle models use an electric park lock system. Within the housing assembly, a lock cylinder is connected to an actuator which rotates and engages on the electric park lock solenoid. When the floor-shift lever is not in the park position, the actuator disengages from the electric park lock solenoid slider. This allows the lock cylinder to move to the lock position. With the shift lever in PARK and the lock cylinder in LOCK, the actuator cam is positioned against the electric park lock solenoid slider. This prevents the shift lever from shifting out of the PARK position.
The column-shift automatic transaxle model uses a flexible cable actuator instead of an electric park lock system. One end of the cable is attached to the gate assembly. The other end of the cable is attached to the column mounted housing assembly. This system functions similarly to the floor-shift ignition lock system.
The manual transaxle model uses a push button lock cylinder. A clutch start switch is used. The clutch pedal must be pressed before the engine will crank. Refer to Park Lock System Check .
CAN you turn the key on ?
The gear selector does not shift out of PARK with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition switch in RUN.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Always On with Ignition in Run
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No

1

Was the BTSI System Check performed?
--
Go to Step 2
Go to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System Check

2

Is this a column shift vehicle?
--
Go to Step 3 yes
Go to Step 4 no

3

1. Move the gear selector to the PARK position.
2. Disconnect the automatic transaxle control connector
3. Turn the ignition switch to RUN.
4. Connect the test lamp between terminal B and ground.

Does the test lamp light?
--
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 8

4

1. Disconnect the brake switch connector C2.
2. Move the ignition switch to RUN.

Can you shift the transaxle out of the PARK position?
--
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 8

5

Is the brake switch adjusted properly?
--
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 7

6

Replace the brake switch.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

7

Adjust the brake switch.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

8

1. Disconnect the BTSI solenoid connector (column shift vehicles) or disconnect the automatic transaxle control connector (console shift vehicles).
2. Move the ignition switch to RUN.

Can you shift the transaxle out of the PARK position?
--
Go to Step 9
Go to Step 10

9

Repair the short to power in CKT 1135.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

10

Test for sticking or binding in the shift linkage.
Does the shift linkage stick or bind?
--
Go to Step 11
Go to Step 12

11

Repair the shift linkage.
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
--

12

Replace the BTSI solenoid (column shift vehicles) or replace the automatic transaxle control (console shift vehicles).
Is the repair complete?
--
System OK
Go to Step 1

.
Shift Interlock System
The shift interlock system prevents a shift out of PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed. The shift interlock system has a shift lock actuator mounted on the floor shifter assembly. If the ignition switch is in the RUN position, the shift actuator will allow the shifter to be moved out of PARK only when the brake pedal is pressed.
Electroniclly controlled !

Condition Possible Sources Action

• The shift interlock system does not release or lock correctly

• Fuse in battery junction box (BJB)

• Check fuses.

• Brake pedal position (BPP) switch

• CHECK the BPP switch. REFER to Section 206-09 .

• Floor shifter wiring and/or connectors
• Transmission selector lever
• Ignition system

• Go To Pinpoint Test A .

ok the safety feature on an auto gearbox is that the gear select has a solinoid lock on the shift & you norm have to start engine first before you can select drive now if the engine is running & not allowing you to select a drive then for some reason the solinoid is losing its signal or going faulty or even the shaft needing a little lube IE: wd40 now my volvo won't even allow me to take the key out untill its in park hope this helps

Shift interlock problem . do you know what that is ?
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 the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
• The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid
• The automatic transmission shift lock control switch
With the ignition in the ON position, voltage is supplied to automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Voltage flows through the normally closed contacts of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is permanently grounded. This energizes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid causing the transmission shift lever to be physically locked in the PARK position. When the brake pedal is pressed 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 be move out of the PARK position.
Park Lock Solenoid
The park lock solenoid is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the key is in the OFF position. The key must be in the RUN position to release the park lock solenoid.
The system consists of the park lock solenoid.
With the ignition in the ON position, voltage is supplied to the park lock solenoid. The park lock solenoid energizes through a permanent ground unlocking the shift lever. With the ignition in the OFF or ACCY position the park lock solenoid de-energizes and locks the shift lever in the park position.

Shift Lever Does Not Move with Brake Pedal Depressed
Step
Action
Yes
No
Schematic Reference: Shift Lock Control Schematics
Connector End View Reference: Shift Lock Control Connector End Views or Automatic Transmission Related Connector End Views
DEFINITION: Transmission shift lever does not move out of the PARK position with the ignition ON and the brake pedal pressed.
1
Did you perform the symptom table tests and necessary inspections?
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
2
Turn ON the ignition.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Attempt to move the shift lever out of the PARK position.
Does the shift lever move out of the PARK position?
YES - Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
NO - Go to Step 3
3
Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the automatic transmission shift lock control switch.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Attempt to move the shift lever out of the PARK position.
Does the shift lever move out of the PARK position?
YES - Go to Step 7
NO - Go to Step 4
4
Turn OFF the ignition.
Leave the automatic transmission shift lock control switch disconnected.
Connect a test lamp between the A/T shift lock control solenoid supply voltage circuit at the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid and a good ground.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Does the test lamp illuminate?
YES - Go to Step 10
NO - Go to Step 5
5
Turn OFF the ignition.
Connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the park lock solenoid and a good ground.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Does the test lamp illuminate?
YES - Go to Step 6
NO - Go to Step 9
6
Turn OFF the ignition.
Connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the park lock solenoid and the park lock solenoid ground circuit.
Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
Does the test lamp illuminate?
YES - Go to Step 8
NO - Go to Step 11
7
Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .
Did you find and correct the condition?
YES - Go to Step 14
NO - Go to Step 13
8
Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the park lock/automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid assembly. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .
Did you find and correct the condition?
YES - Go to Step 14
NO - Go to Step 12
9
Repair the open or high resistance in the park lock solenoid ignition 1 voltage circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing or Wiring Repairs .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 14
--
10
Repair short to battery positive voltage in the A/T shift lock control solenoid supply voltage circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing or Wiring Repairs .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 14
--
11
Repair the open or high resistance in the park lock solenoid ground circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing or Wiring Repairs .
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 14
--
12
Important: Depress the button on the side of the shift lock actuator. With the button is depressed, cycle the plastic straw within the shift lever 3 to 5 times. The straw should move smoothly and freely except near the top of the travel where additional force will be required to mechanically actuate the park lock mechanism inside of the shift lock actuator. If there is stick/slip or abnormal friction while cycling the plastic straw or if the straw is altogether stuck in the lever, the entire control assembly (shifter and shift lock actuator) needs to be replaced. Refer to Transmission Control Replacement . If there is no abnormal friction, replace the shift lock actuator. Refer to Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Actuator Replacement .
Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 14
--
13
Replace the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement .
Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 14
--
14
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK

Test/Service/Replace

The circuit on newer cars with automatic transmissions has a neutral safety, or neutral start switch installed between the ignition switch and the starter. The ignition switch cannot operate the starter motor unless the transmission is in park or neutral.
Late model vehicles with manual transmissions have a starter/clutch interlock switch that requires the clutch to be depressed to the floor.
Neutral Safety Switch
Normal operations of a neutral safety switch provides a quick check for the adjustment of the gear selector linkage.

• To do this, move the selector slowly until it clicks into the PARK position.
• Turn the ignition key to the START position.
• If the starter operates, the PARK position is correct.
• After checking the PARK position, move the lever slowly toward the NEUTRAL position until the lever drops at the end of the NEUTRAL stop in the selector gate.
• If the starter also operates at this point, the gearshift linkage is properly adjusted.
• This quick test also tests the adjustment of the neutral safety switch.
• If the engine does not start in either or both of these positions, the neutral safety switch or the gear selector linkage needs adjustment or repair.

CAUTION
Since you must work under the vehicle to adjust most shift linkages make sure you properly raise and support the vehicle before working under it. Also, wear safety glasses or goggles while working under the vehicle.
A voltmeter can be used to check the switch for voltage when the ignition key is turned to the START position with the shift lever in PARK or NEUTRAL. If there is no voltage, the switch should be adjusted or replaced.

Most newer models have a safety feature called
shift interlock. This prevents the key from being turned back
to the lock position if you forget to place the gear selector in park.
Depending on the model,
If it uses a cable, it may be sticking or needs adjusting.
If it uses an electrical solenoid. may be blown fuse or park switch.
Tap, shake, and pull up on the shifter and make sure it's in park.

There is a small cable attached to the shift lever that runs up to the ignition switch on the steering column. If it gets stuck, your shift lever won't move out of park and your key can get stuck and you won't be able to pull it out.

Drop the steering column down and detach the cable to free up your shifter and/or key. Make sure to replace it as soon as possible as it is a safety feature.

When you turn ignition on it releases a cable that is attached to the shifter also the shifter has a solenoid attached to it that is released when you step on the brake. Both times that I had the problem of button stuck and cant shift out of park the solenoid was sticking and wouldnt release .

if this car is a stick shift it can be dangerous. to test this this way. if it is a stick make sure the car is in nuetral and the e brake set. if it is auto it should be in park. attach a test wire to the small wire on the starter. turn on the key to run pos. touch the test wire to the positive battery cable for a second do not leave it hooked up. does the car start this way. if so a automatic car could need a nuetral safety switch or ignition switch. if it is a stick it may need a clutch safety switch or the ignition switch. good luck