Why does it get stuck in park - Cars & Trucks

Chris: According to MyAutomaticTransmission.com: "Shifter Lever

Recognizing that you might one day find yourself in such a predicament, vehicle manufacturers incorporated a quick and easy method for manually releasing a shifter stuck in Park. Follow these 4 simple steps.

1. Set the emergency brake.

2. Locate the shifter lock override slot located on the shifter console near the shifter lever. Normally, the slot is plugged with a small plastic cap.

3. Remove the plastic cap covering the override slot and insert a key, nail file or similarly shaped object into the slot and push down.

4. While pushing down, depress the brake pedal, grab the shifter and push in the shifter lock button located on the shifter as you normally do and then move the shifter to the Neutral position. With the brake pedal still depressed, start the engine with the shifter in the Neutral position.

NOTE: If the shifter lever will still not move, repeat the process making sure to press down firmly on the locking mechanism and the brake pedal simultaneously as you attempt to move the shifter lever.


NOTE: Continuing to drive your vehicle in this condition will not cause any additional damage. You will just have to use this procedure to release the shifter each time you attempt to move the shifter out of the Park position." I hope this helps you!