2000 Accord LX automatic gear won't depress to shift down

I have a 2000 Honda Accord LX and after I start the ignition, the gear shift button won't depress down so I can shift to reverse, drive, etc. I tried clicking the gear gear shift button and it won't slide down to reverse, drive.

Has anybody else had this problem? If so, what's the deal? Thanks!

Can you hear the shift lock detent solenoid click when you step on the brake? If not, that's the problem, chances are. It's supposed to unlock the shifter when you touch the brake with the ignition on, when it's in PARK.

Sometimes they fail or can get so gunked up they won't work right.

When i'd get one in the shop that looked like the console had eaten a few soft drink/coffee spills, usually that was the issue.

Bad TCU causes detent problems on older models, but haven't heard that issue on your year....

Check your fuses too. Anything else stop working right around the same time?

Can you hear the shift lock detent solenoid click when you step on the brake? If not, that's the problem, chances are. It's supposed to unlock the shifter when you touch the brake with the ignition on, when it's in PARK.

Sometimes they fail or can get so gunked up they won't work right.

When i'd get one in the shop that looked like the console had eaten a few soft drink/coffee spills, usually that was the issue.

Bad TCU causes detent problems on older models, but haven't heard that issue on your year....

Check your fuses too. Anything else stop working right around the same time?

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Thanks Jeffcoslacker! I appreciate the quick response.

The car has been running great. There is nothing else really that has gone out or not working properly that I've noticed. When I do press on the brakes, I'm not hearing the clicking you mentioned above to unluck the shifter.

How much do you think this would cost to fix? Thanks!

I was just out messing with mine ('96) to see how it works....now on mine you can push the button but the shifter won't move until you hit the brake.

You say the button won't move on yours? It could be set up different, but you should still feel/hear the click as it releases when you step on the brake with the key on...

I don't want to get on the wrong track here....

Does yours have the manual release you can put the key into and shift out of Park? Have you used that?

If that unlocks it, you are dealing with a faulty detent solenoid or mechanism for sure.....

I was just out messing with mine ('96) to see how it works....now on mine you can push the button but the shifter won't move until you hit the brake.

You say the button won't move on yours? It could be set up different, but you should still feel/hear the click as it releases when you step on the brake with the key on...

I don't want to get on the wrong track here....

Does yours have the manual release you can put the key into and shift out of Park? Have you used that?

If that unlocks it, you are dealing with a faulty detent solenoid or mechanism for sure.....

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Yeah, it works like yours. I have to press on the brakes before I can press the release button on the shifter.

There is a lock down on the console (just below and to the left side the shifter). I have not used it yet. I'll have to try it this afternoon when I get off from work. So you're suggesting that I put the key in the lock and it should unlock it?

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Yeah, it works like yours. I have to press on the brakes before I can press the release button on the shifter.

There is a lock down on the console (just below and to the left side the shifter). I have not used it yet. I'll have to try it this afternoon when I get off from work. So you're suggesting that I put the key in the lock and it should unlock it?

Yeah that's what it's for, so if the detent fails or the car has no electrical power it can still be moved...if it's the one I'm thinking of...mine is a ket slot near the shifter's selector window...

You can put the key in there, shift to nuetral and then start the motor, and then you'll be able to drive it as long as you stay outta park...then you'll have to repeat to get it out of Park...at least you can use the car.

If the detent is just stuck, this could free it up, but it would still need cleaning or it will happen again.

I found this pic of an '03 console...it looks like the release key slot is just above the "P" marking on the selector...is that like yours?

http://a904.g.akamai.net/7/904/506/v0011/images.autobytel.com/view/aic/HONDA/ACCORDCOUPE/cpe/usa_2003_honda_accordcoupe_cpe_2_x_infrconsole_x.j pg

Thanks! That helps a lot. I'm glad I found this board. I was just surfing looking for a forum to ask my question and I'm glad I found this. Hopefully, I won't have to post too many messages on this board about car trouble I might be having. :wink:

That pic is similar to how mine looks. So I assume you just stick the key in without turning, right? From the looks and what I remember from mine, it's just a slot that doesn't turn.

That pic is similar to how mine looks. So I assume you just stick the key in without turning, right? From the looks and what I remember from mine, it's just a slot that doesn't turn.

Yup.

You can stick anything in there to release the shifter, for example: a screwdriver, when mine was having that issue, I even used the plastic piece that comes up on my tire pressure gauge.

The fix for your shifter is to replace the brake switch that sits right above your brake pedal. It has an electric connector, and bolts onto your brake lever with one bolt... probably 14mm wrench is what you'll need. I bought a new brake switch at the dealer, no less, for $33. Autozone was actually trying to charge me $53, and I had to wait for them to order it. So call around for some prices, and get the cheapest one. Trust me, it is easy to replace. Although I have an '02, but I think it should be similar to yours. Good luck, and let us know the outcome. Also, double check to make sure your brake lights are working, because my bulb on the back dash blew out and made none of my lights work, until I replaced it...

. Also, double check to make sure your brake lights are working, because my bulb on the back dash blew out and made none of my lights work, until I replaced it...

Good catch...I didn't even think about that. :grinyes: not a problem I've run across but makes sense.

I wasn't sure if anything would work in the release or not...I figured maybe they'd at least make it where it had to be a Honda-type key so that any moron couldn't shift you to nuetral and tow the car...

So it's kinda like the thing on the washing machine lid? Just shove anything in there.

I love watching clothes spin. I'm easily entertained:icon16:

I love watching clothes spin. I'm easily entertained:icon16:

Hell yeah, I like doing that too :lol: .