!#!@ Interlock

[sknouse]

I have a 97 Blazer that will not shift from park once it is warmed up. If you let it sit for several hours, it will eventually allow you to shift from park. The problem seems to be with the interlock device that allows you to shift from park once the brake has been depressed. I've done some Yahoo and Google searches, and have seen that quite a few people have encountered this problem, but I can't seem to find a posted solution.

My question: Is there some way I can completely remove this device or at least circumvent it? If not, where is is located so I can smash it with a hammer (j/k) and replace it? I've been parking in Neutral w/emergency brake on for now so I can at least use the vehicle.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[jpb0824]

You have two options:

Rig It:

Take out you center console so that you have access to the shifter assembly. Put your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position. Depending on if the shift-interlock solenoid is bad or malfunctioning, you can step on the brake and listen/look for the clicking noise you may hear. The solenoid opens and closes when you step on and release the brake so that you may shift gears. Manually pull on the little dime-sized white disc and wrap wire around the pin it is attached to so that it always remains open. Not the best thing to do, but it works just to get around.

Replace:

You cannot purchase the solenoid alone, it is sold as a part of the shifter assembly set. New the shifter assembly costs $175 from the dealer. I was able to get one from a local junk yard for $75. It is very easy to install yourself, just take apart the electrical clips, unscrew the four nuts surrounding the assembly, and take of the trans cable. I was very leery of doing it myself, but it only took me 30 mins from start to finsih.

Good Luck!

[sknouse]

Originally Posted by jpb0824

You have two options:

Rig It:

Take out you center console so that you have access to the shifter assembly. Put your key in the ignition and turn it to the on position. Depending on if the shift-interlock solenoid is bad or malfunctioning, you can step on the brake and listen/look for the clicking noise you may hear. The solenoid opens and closes when you step on and release the brake so that you may shift gears. Manually pull on the little dime-sized white disc and wrap wire around the pin it is attached to so that it always remains open. Not the best thing to do, but it works just to get around.

Replace:

You cannot purchase the solenoid alone, it is sold as a part of the shifter assembly set. New the shifter assembly costs $175 from the dealer. I was able to get one from a local junk yard for $75. It is very easy to install yourself, just take apart the electrical clips, unscrew the four nuts surrounding the assembly, and take of the trans cable. I was very leery of doing it myself, but it only took me 30 mins from start to finsih.

Good Luck!

Awesome, thanks. So, the solenoid is actually located in the center console assembly? I thought I heard it up by the steering column.

[jpb0824]

I'm assuming you have the floor shifter (between the two front seats).


I'm not sure what to do if your shifter is located on the steering column.

[sknouse]

Originally Posted by jpb0824

I'm assuming you have the floor shifter (between the two front seats).


I'm not sure what to do if your shifter is located on the steering column.

Yes it's on the floor, I was just suprised to hear the solenoid was in the center console, I thought the click sounded like it was coming from the dashboard/steering column area.

[jpb0824]

let me know how it goes.

[sknouse]

Will be trying it tonight, I am sick of parking it in neutral with e-brake on as a workaround!

[sknouse]

I found the solenoid you were referring to btw. I tired pulling it out, holding it out and even wrapping wire around it, but nothing ever worked. I'm still parking in Neutral cause I don't have $200.00 for the whole shifter assembly.

It really pisses me off that a $10 solenoid is going to cost me $190.00 more than it should cause of a piss poor design concept by GM.

[sknouse]

^bump^

[BlazerLT]

Check for a bad wire going to the solenoid.

[sknouse]

Originally Posted by BlazerLT

Check for a bad wire going to the solenoid.

tried it, but thanks