Stuck in Park: Why Your Car Is Hard to Shift Out of Park

Common causes

Several things can make an automatic hard to shift out of park. A shift interlock that does not release is the most likely. The interlock requires the brake pedal to be pressed before you can move the shifter, and a worn switch, or one covered in grease, dirt or moisture, may not release or may not get a signal.

Other causes

• Grease or corrosion on the shift cable or linkage
• Low transmission fluid, which usually also causes sluggish or harder shifting in every gear
• Parking on a slope without setting the parking brake first, which puts the vehicle’s weight on the parking pawl

What you can try

Most vehicles have a shift lock release, sometimes recessed so you need a key or small tool. On column shifters it may be on the steering column. Check your owner’s manual for its location. Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal, set the parking brake, use the release to shift out of park, then check that your brake lights work. Have the cause checked before relying on the release.

Protect your transmission

Stop, set the parking brake, then shift into park and release the brake pedal. That way the parking brake, not the transmission, holds the car.

Next step

A shifter that sticks can get worse, and if the brake lights stop working along with the interlock, it may be an electrical issue. Our ASE-certified technicians can inspect your vehicle and explain your options. Book at whichever of our shops is most convenient.