Can't get car out of park

[rafterweasel]

Hello,

I have an 96 G20. The other day I had trouble getting the car out of park, when the ignition was on. It started fine, but wouldn't budge out of park. If I turn the key to accessory, it comes out of park just fine. I believe the brake sensor may be failing.

Does this sound right? Does anyone know where the brake sensor is located and where I could order that from? Where can I get a 1996 service manual?

If I have trouble finding a replacement sensor, is there a problem with just overriding this sensor?

Thanks,

Paul

[nis.k.a.]

I had this problem occasionally with my old 91. Try pushing the button and pushing the lever further into P, release, then it should be easy to get out of park.

[jvlgato]

Same problem last month. I brought it to the dealer and it was covered under an extended warranty. My receipt says 'replace stop lamp switch ... parts ... switch assy-25320-75A00' The part cost $6.26, labor $68.60 for 0.7 hrs.

Before I brought it in, I talked to the mechanic by phone, and he said the switch operates a solenoid which releases the transmission handle when you push on the brake. This is a safety feature to prevent you from flooring the car with the accelerator, mistaking it for the brake, then putting it into gear and crashing. You might remember this happened to some Audis a few years back, and the drivers said their cars were possessed.

In any case, the only problem he saw in not replacing the switch was that probably your back brake lights are not working. This might be dangerous since the car behind you doesn't know you're stopping, plus it might be illegal.

Good luck!