Why is my car saying transmission not in park?
The “transmission not in park” message is a common problem that can occur in many different types of vehicles. The message is displayed when the car’s transmission is not in the park position, which can prevent the car from being started. There are several reasons why this message may be displayed, and it is important to diagnose the problem correctly in order to fix it.
Possible causes
There are several possible causes for the “transmission not in park” message. These include:
- The transmission shift lever is not fully in the park position.
- The transmission shift cable is loose or damaged.
- The transmission park lock solenoid is faulty.
- The brake light switch is faulty.
Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot the “transmission not in park” message, you can try the following steps:
- Make sure that the transmission shift lever is fully in the park position.
- Check the transmission shift cable for any loose or damaged connections.
- Test the transmission park lock solenoid by applying voltage to it. If the solenoid does not engage, it is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
- Check the brake light switch by pressing the brake pedal. If the brake lights do not come on, the switch is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
Repair
Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can repair it accordingly. The repair may involve replacing the transmission shift cable, the transmission park lock solenoid, or the brake light switch. In some cases, the problem may be more complex and require a mechanic to diagnose and repair it.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent the “transmission not in park” message from occurring in the future. These include:
- Always make sure that the transmission shift lever is fully in the park position before leaving the vehicle.
- Have the transmission shift cable and park lock solenoid inspected regularly by a mechanic.
- Replace the brake light switch if it becomes faulty.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent the “transmission not in park” message from occurring and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
