Car won't shift gears in cold weather without much trouble

[lepage]

I have an 89 Legend and I have been having problems shifting, usually only in colder weather. When parking the car I can put it into park but the park light indicator doesnt come on and therefore the key cant be removed from the ignition. If you push on the gear shift eventually the park indicator light on the dash will come on and the key can be removed. It also happens if the car is running and you want to shift from park to drive, it won't shift without applying major pressure on the breaks and then pushing hard on the shifter until it recognizes its in park then it will shift. This is so frustrating and I dont have alot of money to fix it, so any suggestions on what the problem could be would be really really appreciated! Thanks

[90_accord]

I'm not familiar with your shifter, but my '88 & '90 accords have the center mounted shifter, and had similar issues. Basically, if the light isn't on, the computer won't tell the tranny it's ok to shift. I have had problems with the switch before, it is a sliding type switch under the cover. I pulled the center cover off & made sure the contacts were "clean" with some emery cloth. Seemed to work ok.

I think I also have had issues with the ignition, but don't remember too much about it, I do know I current have the beeper unhooked from the key thing for some reason. The ingintion can be removed pretty easily too, I think there is an allen bolt & a little detent to push & it pops out. I think you need to have it in "On" position, or something like that.

Either way, I think I remember problems in the cold too, but after cleaning the switch & messing with the ignition, I'm ok now.

good luck

[lepage]

Thanks soo much, i will look into getting the switch cleaned!