05 Cobalt shifter doesn't unlock

[rfletcher]

I just returned from a deployment and my wifes car doesn't shift out of park. She just left it in the driveway and used my truck while I was gone but I would like to fix her car and get my truck back now. The key goes in fine and the car starts. When the brake pedal is pushed you can here a 'click' from inside the shift lever but it doesn't unlock. The Haine's manual I picked up today from the Autozone down the road is useless. I have been told there is a shift lock relay that is probably bad. Any help would be appreciated as to what the cause may be, how to troubleshoot it, and if there is a way to over ride it just to get the car moved. Thanks.

[MZR_47]

Is the driveway steep? it could be smashed into reverse in a weird way, because of the way it rolls back a bit. I know this happened with my friend's stealth. Try to get someone to push it up the hill a tad, then try to shift out of park.

Or it could be the relay. Try both.

[BUG1959]

Check with a dealer , my 2006 did the same thing and when i took it to the dealer they said the shift knob was on recall, took them 20 min. And didnt cost anything

[56pontiac]

They will also lock in Park if the battery is low. Had that happen to mine.But also the key won't come out of the ignition.

[rodeo02]

You'll have a tiny access door either on the shift console or under the steering colm. Under that hole/door will be a push button to release the ignition key during times of no power.

Joel

[dorman68]

Originally Posted by BUG1959

Check with a dealer , my 2006 did the same thing and when i took it to the dealer they said the shift knob was on recall, took them 20 min. And didnt cost anything

The dealer had to replace the shifter on my coworker's 05 Cobalt.