Shifter position is P but the car sees neutral???

[jsin713]

OK, I'm new here and I have spent some time looking around for a similar topic, and I could not find one.

So, here it goes...

1997 GP has had an issue with getting the key out. Solenoid in the column works, the shift lock in the console was flaky. This lead my girlfriend to "forcing" the shifter forward to PARK with the car turned off. She literally was slamming this thing into PArk to try to get it to engage. It would always eventually work.

6 months later, she's out shopping. The key comes out with no problem, but the car won't turn over now. I go look at it and the shifter is in Park, buit the dash says Reverse. The car can be pushed forward and backward like it's in neutral. SOOOO, I remove the console, tap the shift lock to get the shifter moving again and drop it to neutral, start the car and drive it home.

Now the stupid thing says Neutral when the shifter is in the park position. you click it down 2 notches to where neutral should be it goes into drive. move it all the way back up ad it goes to neutral. It's like Park and Reverse don't exist. I am sick of her using my car and i have a day off. Can anyone give me any suggestions??? I was thinking Shift cable, but I don't know squat about transmisions and such.

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

I think you are on the right track with the shift cable. The cable may be damaged or just loose. Check it or take the car to a tranny shop and get it looked at. Stay away from the dealer as they are very expensive. It is also possible that the shifter itself is bad and will need replaced but the cable is where I would start on this one.