Shifting out of Park...

I'm finding that when I do a cold start, sometimes I can't shift out of park. :banghead: The thumb is locked and won't go in while the brakes are applied. Even stepping on the brakes hard won't help. I have to tap the brakes a few times and try again with the brakes fully depressed. Sometimes it takes a few tries in order to get going... Very annoying. I'm like a freak with my brakes, brake light on and off... :screwy:

[QUOTE=dach95]I'm finding that when I do a cold start, sometimes I can't shift out of park. :banghead: The thumb is locked and won't go in while the brakes are applied.QUOTE]

Do this...EVERYTIME you get out of the car (yes, the order is important):

1. Come to a stop.
2. Apply parking brake fully (obviously keeping your foot on the brakes).
3. Shift into park.
4. Turn off the car.

From your post, it sounds like you are experiencing torque lock. Typically it happens when you are parked on an incline, but I used to have a Grand Am that would do it a lot, even it it was sitting level. Not to mention, it really is better on your car if you use your brakes to keep your car from moving. Brakes are pretty cheap and easy to replace as opposed to a tranny.

It could be other things, but 9 times out of 10 that will fix the problem.

Although I don't think it's torque lock. I will start your pratice...Thanks for the suggestion.

My main problem is the thumb lock, locking out. I can't depress it. Once I get it going, the shift out of park is easy.

So it's really the thumb lock that's sticking, more than the lever itself?

Sounds like it could be what is I believe called your transmission interlock solenoid. I had this go bad with another one of my vehicles and it was the same problem as what you described.

Although I don't think it's torque lock. I will start your pratice...Thanks for the suggestion.

My main problem is the thumb lock, locking out. I can't depress it. Once I get it going, the shift out of park is easy.

So its been 3 days since your last post...still have the problem?

I'm forming a habit of pulling the parking brake when I park. I usually ignore it and leave it down. Now the prblem seem to disappear. Just yesterday however, I forgot to pull it after a quick stop and it happened again. I pull up the parking brakes slightly and it unlocked immediately. Very strainge issue I'm learning to live with.