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Geo A/T Park Locked?

I just picked up a '96 Geo 4 dr sedan with an automatic transmission. The engine wasn't running and the battery had been removed.

I need to move it and load it onto a trailer. I had the key and turned the key to the run position and the steering column unlocked but I couldn't get the floor shift out of park. I tried everything, step on the brake, jiggled the key, on and off and on again. No luck.. Yes, I pushed the button on the shifter handle.

I knew from past experience with Geo steering columns and ignitions switches, that there was an interlock between the switch and the shifter or tranny. There is a push pull cable the prevents you from removing the key until the shifter/tranny is in Park. However, I knew of no reason that I couldn't get the shifter to release from Park when the key was in and turned on.

Eventually I just disconnect the shift cable from the top lever on the A/T and I was able to shift the tranny into natural by rotating the lever. The floor shift lever still remains locked, but I was able to roll the car out and load it on and off the trailer.

Do I have a problem in the shifter or do I have to have a battery in or have the engine running to get the shifter to unlock??

Any help would be appreciated, before I tear something apart that might not be the problem.

Thanks,

Steve

Reply to
Steve
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You may have a solenoid that is part of the interlock. I would hook the battery and see what results you get...

Professor

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Reply to
Professor

I think your correct, Professor. I was looking though my Haynes manual and even though it didn't mention the solenoid, it mentions a manual release and I can see a solenoid in one of the pictures. I also noticed a small access plate on the plastic console in about the position of, what I believe is the manual release.

I could hook up the battery because someone had stolen it and just cut cables. Fortunately (if you could call it that), the only other damage was from the tow truck not using proper equipment to raise the front end. Maybe $500 worth of damage to the front bumper.

Thanks for your reply.

Steve

Reply to
Steve

dont ya have to have the brake pressed to make that work?

Reply to
ed

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