Stuck 97 Accord Transmission

[RedCordCoupe]

I've got a 97 Accord SE and just recently the transmission has been sticking in park. I'll start the car and depress the brake and the transmission simply won't move. I'm able to avoid this by putting the key in the console next to the shifter and putting it into neutral before starting the car but thats really kind of a pain. I really have no idea what the problem is so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by RedCordCoupe

I've got a 97 Accord SE and just recently the transmission has been sticking in park. I'll start the car and depress the brake and the transmission simply won't move. I'm able to avoid this by putting the key in the console next to the shifter and putting it into neutral before starting the car but thats really kind of a pain. I really have no idea what the problem is so any help would be appreciated. Thanks

There is a switch at the brake pedal that signals a solenoid in the console to unlock the shifter when you put your foot on the brake. Possible the switch is out of adjustment (don't know if it is part of the brake light switch on yours), the solenoid is going bad, or a wiring problem exists.

Does it do it all the time, or randomly? Also, see if your brake lights are working correctly. If not, it's the same switch for the shift lock, and that's the problem.

The solenoid shouldn't be hard to replace, if that is the problem, just gotta get the trim cover off the console.

If it does it all the time, also check your owner's manual and see if there is a fuse dedicated to it.

[BIAR]

I agree with jeffcoslacker.When it occurs see if you have brake lights.The other thing I have seen and I have seen it a lot.Is something at one time got spilt in the console(usually soda)and it will stick when you first get in the car to move.The only fix I have found is to remove the shifter assy and run it under hot water.Carl

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by BIAR

I agree with jeffcoslacker.When it occurs see if you have brake lights.The other thing I have seen and I have seen it a lot.Is something at one time got spilt in the console(usually soda)and it will stick when you first get in the car to move.The only fix I have found is to remove the shifter assy and run it under hot water.Carl

You're right, I forgot about that. Sometimes it can even keep the solenoid from doing it's thing if it's real bad. WD-40 (is there anything it can't do?) works well for loosening and cleaning that problem too.

[RedCordCoupe]

It seems to kinda do it randomly from day to day. It hasn't done it once today but it did it every time I was in my car yesterday. I had heard something about the solenoid going bad so I will have to check into that.
Once I've got someone around to check the brake lights I'll give that a try as well. Thanks for the responses.

[AccordCodger]

WIth the extra information (intermittent) I'd put my money on a small plastic insert in the brake pedal. It presses on the brake/cruise/interlock switches, and it wears out eventually.

[phantastic1]

my brother had the exact same prob w/ his 96....i checked it out for him...and it only turned out to be the stop light/horn fuse (20A)....and the it worked again. no power to the brake switch...means no power to release the neutral safety switch. a quick press of the horn will tell you if your fuse is blown.

[phantastic1]

forget my previous post....i didn't read all the way down to the bottom. if it's intermittent...most likely not a fuse.