It will not shift out of Park

Verify with official recall databases, service records, a mechanic inspection, and local market data before relying on this summary.

At a glance

Symptom triage summary

The selector will not move out of Park even with the brake pedal pressed. The shift interlock is designed to prevent exactly this until specific conditions are met, so the first question is which...

UrgencyUrgency not yet verified SeverityModerate EvidenceSource notes available
What it may indicate
The selector will not move out of Park even with the brake pedal pressed. The shift interlock is designed to prevent exactly this until specific conditions are met, so the first question is which condition is unmet.
Possible system
Transmission
Urgency
Urgency not yet verified
Can I drive?
Drive with caution
Evidence/confidence
Source notes available
See source & evidence notes below

Short answer

The selector will not move out of Park even with the brake pedal pressed. The shift interlock is designed to prevent exactly this until specific conditions are met, so the first question is which condition is unmet.

SeverityModerateDrive?Drive with caution

Can I still drive with this?

Drive with caution

Limit trips; avoid heavy loads and long highway runs.

SeverityModerate

Moderate

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Troubleshooting at a glance

  1. UrgencyModerate
  2. Check firstHave someone confirm the brake lights illuminate when you press the pedal — this is the single most common cause
  3. Can you drive?Drive with caution
  4. Stop driving ifNot a driving hazard, but a failed brake light switch also means…

It will not shift out of Park

The selector will not move out of Park even with the brake pedal pressed. The shift interlock is designed to prevent exactly this until specific conditions are met, so the first question is which condition is unmet.

What can cause it

  • A failed brake light switch, which is what tells the interlock the brake is pressed
  • A failed shift interlock solenoid
  • The vehicle parked on a slope with the parking pawl under load

What to check first

  1. Have someone confirm the brake lights illuminate when you press the pedal — this is the single most common cause
  2. On a slope, apply the parking brake, then rock the vehicle slightly to relieve load on the parking pawl
  3. Locate the shift lock override in the owner's manual as a temporary measure
  4. Have the brake light switch and interlock solenoid checked

What this symptom does not tell you

An observation narrows the search; it does not identify which of the possible causes applies to your vehicle. Confirm the cause before any part is replaced — several of the causes above produce an identical symptom.

Possible causes

  • A failed brake light switch, which is what tells the interlock the brake is pressed
  • A failed shift interlock solenoid
  • The vehicle parked on a slope with the parking pawl under load

What to check first

  1. Have someone confirm the brake lights illuminate when you press the pedal — this is the single most common cause
  2. On a slope, apply the parking brake, then rock the vehicle slightly to relieve load on the parking pawl
  3. Locate the shift lock override in the owner's manual as a temporary measure
  4. Have the brake light switch and interlock solenoid checked

When to stop driving / seek help

Not a driving hazard, but a failed brake light switch also means no brake lights for following traffic — which is, so have it repaired promptly.

Keep going

Next troubleshooting step

Source & evidence notes

  • Cause ordering reflects widely documented diagnostic practice and standard automotive reference material, not measured field statistics.