I have a 96 regal 3800, 4T60E trans, column shift that does not disengage from park. I can move the column shift lever and select reverse and forward gears but it does not disengage from park. When in gear acts as though the brakes are held(but they are not). I am looking for a best place to start looking. The check engine light has not come on to provide any clues, I haven't checked for codes yet. The shift cable and external shift lever on the tranny appear to moving freely and doing what I would expect. I am not familiar with the 4T60E-lectronic trans. so I am curious if this problem could be electrical in nature or if it is a good old mechanical "broken part/linkage" internal to the trans. Any ideas are welcome and appreciated.

Could be a bad parking pawl rod, the ends have been known to pop off it’s a pretty simple set up not much to go wrong. Also the diff area could be a disaster which then would require a overhaul.

I have it up on jack stands now, differential seems to be OK, I can rotate left wheel forward-right wheel turns backward. I dropped the pan and filter, fluid doesn't look bad, about the usual shtuff in the pan and on the magnet for 100k miles. Where is the park pawl rod located and how do I get to it to confirm its condition? (I hate asking stupid questions but in this case I have to!) Thanks for the info.

well the parking pawl rod is inside the tranny which is the sucky part. You can pull the diff out and get to the parking pawl gear but not the rod. so if your mechanically inclined DIY you could pull the diff cover off but go slow and pay close attention things are designed only be installed only way. Pop the C-clip off pull the diff and sun gear out and there sets the parking pawl gear. Take a look at it see if its engaged and go from there.

i actually had close to the same problem and it ended up being my throttle position sensor... checked that?

I kinda have the same problem with mine but I cant move the shifter. The release button is locked. The only way I can get it to release is if i hold the button down while the car is off then reach over with my other hand turn it on then the button releases and i can move it from gear 2 gear, but once its back in park the button locks again and i have to turn the car off and start all over again. Any suggestions?

thank you

(1996 Buick Regal Gran Sport, Automatic)