98 Grand Prix auto Shifter sticking

nined2tsi · 01-09-2006, 05:58 PM

My gf has a 98 grand prix with an auto tranny. Lately its not been able to get into gear, like it wont move from park. And just about an hour ago she was at school and it wouldnt go into park. She pushed the shifter but it wouldnt move. Then it finally went into park after moving it between gears. Anybody have any suggestions?

BNaylor · 01-10-2006, 09:06 AM

The system is called brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI). There are a series of switches and solenoids used in the shifter assembly for park and the steering column for key removal when in park. Also, the brake pedal switch is used. At the bottom of the shifter assembly is a park switch which engages when you press the button. It may be defective or there is a mechanical problem where it is not making.

DuffGTP06 · 01-20-2006, 09:00 AM

I'm having the same problem right now, it says it is not in park when it is and my key wont come out and then I cant get it out of park. I talked to the guy that works on my car, he said something is streched in the transmission and just needs tightened, when i get it done I'll be sure to tell you what part it is and how to fix it..... until then, i've been useing the 'shift lock release' to get it out of park,

richtazz · 01-20-2006, 09:57 AM

Most of these government mandated, "save you from yourself" safety devices are such a pain. Was there really so many people chucking there car in drive without their foot on the brake crashing into things that they had to force the carmakers to come up with a failsafe?? Sometimes, I just don't get it!!!

2000GPGTBlue2dr · 07-17-2006, 10:09 AM

I had the same problem with my 2000 GT. Guess what??? Here's what is wrong. I replaced the shifter ($250) thinking it was the solenoid attached to it, and the P R N D 3 2 1 lights on the dash still kept flickering, and the key would not release out of the ignition when I put the car in park...

There's a 10 amp fuse for the BTSI (see your owner's manual) which is the Automatic Transaxle Shifter Module. Believe it or not sometimes the fuse doesn't make contact with the fuse housing causing an intermitent connection that causes the BTSI that controls or signals the solenoid near ignition that the car is in park thus releasing the lock to work "off and on."

So here's what you do.... Take that fuse out clean it off, and then actually bend the 2 pieces of metal sticking out of the fuse in opposite directions so that when you put the fuse back in, it ensures a stronger connection to the pieces of metal inside the fuse housing. I did this and the lights no longer flicker, and everytime I have the car in park I can shift to other gears, and I can release the key out of the ignition.

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