FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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External Controls/Shift Interlock



Symptom Chart Shift Control Linkage Diagnosis

Use the symptom chart as an aid in determining possible conditions, sources and necessary service actions for shift control linkage.

Condition(s):

Difficult to, or Cannot Remove Ignition Key

Possible Source(s):
- Gearshift lever not fully locked in PARK position.

Action(s) to Take:
- Make Sure gearshift lever is locked in PARK position.

Possible Source(s):
- Gearshift lever not properly adjusted.

Action(s) to Take:
- Adjust shift linkage.

Possible Source(s):
- Interlock system inoperative.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Gearshift Lever Will Not Release From PARK

Possible Source(s):
- Ignition/shifter interlock switch inoperative.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Gearshift Lever Will Not Release From PARK With Ignition Switch in RUN Position and Brake Pedal Applied

Possible Source(s):
- Stoplamp switch inoperative.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Possible Source(s):
- Shift knob loose or not fully seated.

Action(s) to Take:
- Properly Install knob or replace.

Gearshift Lever Releases From PARK (Ignition Switch in LOCK or ACC Position)

Possible Source(s):
- Interlock control inoperative.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Gearshift Lever Releases From PARK (Ignition Switch in RUN Position)

Possible Source(s):
- Interlock solenoid damaged.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Possible Source(s):
- Electrical connector loose or disconnected.

Action(s) to Take:
- Connect electrical connector securely.

Gearshift Lever Can Be Moved From PARK Range With Ignition Switch in RUN Without Brake Pedal Applied

Possible Source(s):
- Fuse(s).
- Circuit.
- Shift-lock solenoid.
- Instrument interface module.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Gearshift Lever Cannot Be Moved From PARK Range With Ignition Switch in RUN and Brake Pedal Applied

Possible Source(s):
- Circuit.
- Stoplight lamp.
- Shift-lock solenoid.
- Instrument interface module.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Shift Interlock System Does Not Release When Brake Pedal is Applied or Lock Properly

Possible Source(s):
- Circuitry open/shorted.
- Blown fuse.
- Damaged brake on/brake off switch.
- Damaged shift lock actuator.
- Instrument interface module.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test A. A: Shift Interlock Does Not Release or Lock Properly

Shift Control Linkage Binding, Out of Proper Gear Relationship

Possible Source(s):
- Transmission shift cable not properly adjusted

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test B. B: Shift Linkage Binding, Out of Proper Gear Relationship

Cannot Engage/Disengage Overdrive Lockout

Possible Source(s):
- Transmission control switch worn or damaged.
- Instrument interface module malfunction.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test C. C: Trans. Control Sw. & Indicator Lamp Not Operating Properly

Possible Source(s):
- Wire harness damaged.

Action(s) to Take:
- Replace wire harness.

Possible Source(s):
- Loose connections in wire harness.

Action(s) to Take:
- Secure connectors.

Transmission Control Switch Not Operating Properly

Possible Source(s):
- Damaged control switch.
- Circuitry open/shorted.
- Blown fuse.
- Burned-out miniature bulb.
- Damaged powertrain control module.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test C. C: Trans. Control Sw. & Indicator Lamp Not Operating Properly

Transmission Range Indicator Lamp Does Not Illuminate

Possible Source(s):
- Bulb burned out.
- Wiring harness damaged.

Action(s) to Take:
- GO to Pinpoint Test C. C: Trans. Control Sw. & Indicator Lamp Not Operating Properly

Starter Inoperative in PARK and/or NEUTRAL

Back-up Lamps Not Operating Correctly

Possible Source(s):
- TR sensor worn or damaged.

Action(s) to Take:
- Check TR sensor for continuity, proper connection.

Possible Source(s):
- Transaxle cable retainer bracket loose at steering column.

Action(s) to Take:
- Secure bracket by tightening bolts.

Possible Source(s):
- Shift linkage out of adjustment.

Action(s) to Take:
- Re-Adjust shift linkage.

Transmission Range Indicator Does Not Correspond to the Transaxle Gear

Possible Source(s):
- Shift cable retainer bracket is loose.

Action(s) to Take:
- Tighten bracket retaining bolts.

Possible Source(s):
- Transmission range indicator linkage out of adjustment.

Action(s) to Take:
- Adjust transmission shift cable at control assembly.

Possible Source(s):
- Cable is loose at transaxle retainer bracket.

Action(s) to Take:
- Secure cable in bracket.

Possible Source(s):
- Shift linkage out of adjustment.

Action(s) to Take:
- Re-Adjust shift linkage.

Rattle, Noise, Buzz, etc.

Possible Source(s):
- Shift knob loose.

Action(s) to Take:
- Tighten knob locknut.

Possible Source(s):
- Selector lever and housing assembly loose.

Action(s) to Take:
- Tighten housing retaining bolts.

Possible Source(s):
- Cable assembly grommet not secure.

Action(s) to Take:
- Secure grommet.

Water Enters Inside the Vehicle

Possible Source(s):
- Cable assembly grommet not secure.

Action(s) to Take:
- Secure grommet.

Possible Source(s):
- Cable assembly grommet torn.

Action(s) to Take:
- Install new cable assembly.