Trucks Not Shifting Out Of Park

Many people have had a problem where they can’t shift out of park and they come online to seek help, and I’d say about half the time they’re misguided. Every armchair mechanic and guru tells them “it’s the brake switch!!!!1!1” despite the truck being able to shift out of park when the key is in another position, or hearing a “click” when the pedal is depressed but still no shifting. Problems could also be the ignition lockout or a faulty ignition cylinder.

twistedframe said:

Many people have had a problem where they can’t shift out of park and they come online to seek help, and I’d say about half the time they’re misguided. Every armchair mechanic and guru tells them “it’s the brake switch!!!!1!1” despite the truck being able to shift out of park when the key is in another position, or hearing a “click” when the pedal is depressed but still no shifting. Problems could also be the ignition lockout or a faulty ignition cylinder.

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Cool so you joined just to say that?

It's usually the BTSI (brake-to-shift interlock) solenoid that has gone bad.

Richard

someotherguy said:

Cool so you joined just to say that?

It's usually the BTSI (brake-to-shift interlock) solenoid that has gone bad.

Richard

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Where is that and how much of a b***h is it to change? My truck does this sometimes; it seems like it usually happens when it's on an incline. I figure the linkage has a little slop in it after 209K on Houston roads....

HotWheelsBurban said:

Where is that and how much of a b***h is it to change? My truck does this sometimes; it seems like it usually happens when it's on an incline. I figure the linkage has a little slop in it after 209K on Houston roads....

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Pretty easy to change. It's on the passenger side of the column right alongside where the shift cable attaches at the shifter mechanism. Black plastic device with a harness connection. You can pop it loose and be rid of the functionality; just beware it will allow shifting out of park at any time you pull the lever, just like pre-nanny era vehicles.

It snaps onto a ball stud just like the shift cable. A door panel tool will pop it off without damage.

Richard

Thank you very much!

I had an issue once where my truck wouldn't go into Park. I had to leave the truck neutral with the keys in when I went to subway for lunch.

When I got home I removed the kick panel. I actually just removed the solenoid.

It was the shift interlock solenoid. Don't know what year those where added though. 1995 maybe?

stutaeng said:

I had an issue once where my truck wouldn't go into Park. I had to leave the truck neutral with the keys in when I went to subway for lunch.

When I got home I removed the kick panel. I actually just removed the solenoid.

It was the shift interlock solenoid. Don't know what year those where added though. 1995 maybe?

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Correct.. came in with the 1995 interior redesign's new column.

Richard