tranny troubles

[32oz.]

a friend of mine has a 94. its an automatic. and she has been having problems getting it into gear from park. any thoughts? need more info?

[Doctor J]

Could you please be more specific:
Is the selector handle hard to move;
or
The gear is sellected, but the vechicle does not move?

[32oz.]

"i cant move the selector handle at all unless i push on that override button"

"and hold that down while i change gears"

thats what she said. does that help?

[Doctor J]

Based on the description, the trouble is in the shift interlock system.
For general description of the system, refer to Autoshop101.com by K.Sullivan, technical articles, file H18, Shift interlock system.
My recommendations:

• with brake pedal depressed, check continuity between term. 3 and 4 on the stop light switch (refer to the electronic manual posted on the read only section of this forum)
• while depressing the brake pedal, ign. on, engine not running, listen for interlock solenoid clicking.If it clicks, the plastic interlock lever is stuck.

To repair the system, the center console must be removed. On one of my customers car, 88 Camry, I just removed interlock lever in same situation.

[32oz.]

alright. i would flame myself for this, but can ya dumb that down a bit? im simple folk here

[Kep]

32oz,

There is a pin/lever that keeps you from starting the car unless it is in park. A solenoid physically puts it into position and if you listen for it you may be able to determine if it is working. When it breaks it can keep you from shifting at all. It is a safety feature. You can disable it (just remember not to start the car while in gear).

Doctor J gave you a reference to autoshop101 that will let you learn more about it. The direct link is:
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h18.pdf

That is about as basic as you can get.

Kep