Stubborn Gear Shift Lever Button!!

[kansaslady]

I have a '98 Chevy Malibu, 62k miles. The button on the gear shift lever knob is nearly impossible to push in when the weather turns cold - this occurs after my car has been sitting overnight or outside all day while I'm at work.

My dealer's service dept checked it out awhile back but said they found nothing wrong, even after dismantling the entire lever/handle and lubricating it. Of course, by the time I get my car to the shop it's warmed up and the problem is no longer there (isn't that always the case?).

Today when I left work it was about 50 deg outside and the button would not push in at all! After I let the car warm up for about 2 minutes I was able to finally force the button in so that I could take the car out of Park.

Can anyone help with what is causing this problem? And how it can be fixed.

I am afraid, as the weather turns even colder, that one time I will not be able to get the button pushed in at all!

[gapboi210]

Hmmm might be something to do with the Brake Shift Interlock switch. If it won't push in one day try turning the ignition switch to ACC. When it is in ACC you don't have to push the brake pedal to move the shifter. It overides the shift lock. If it moves in with the key on ACC then your problem is most liekly with the switch.

[kansaslady]

Well, guess what? I took my car to the dealer today and they discovered that the Shift Interlock Solenoid was bad. They didn't have one in stock, it should be in on Monday and I can take the car back and have the problem resolved!

You are very smart my friend...you really know about cars!!

Thanks for replying to my post!

[gapboi210]

No problem just post again if u need any help in the future!