'93 Corolla: Transmission Locked If Engine Not Going ? Help Please

Hello,

Have a 1993 Corolla, 4 cyl., sedan Has auto transmission.

Problem is that the battery is dead, and have to be able to push it out of my garage so that I can jump start it.

Transmission is locked, apparently, in Park unless the engine is running. Shift lever is also locked in Park; won't move irregardless of where key is turned.

Guess the engine really has to be going.

Is there some way around this ?

Thanks, Bob

Reply to
Robert11
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"Robert11" ...

You should be able to do this with the key in the 'ON' position and the foot on the brake pedal to get it out of Park. Tomes

Reply to
Tomes

if the battery is completely dead the transmission interlock system will not let you shift out of park . what you have to do is pry the little plastic cap off with a screw driver around the gear shift. then with the key in the on position push down with the screwdriver in the hole where you removed the plastic plug. this should move the gear shift lever out of park so the car can be pushed out of your garage . don't forget to replace the plastic plug after you have jumped started the car .

Reply to
Dave Dave

Hi,

Just a quick thanks for the info. Appreciate it.

Bob

Reply to
Robert11

Did that work? If it did I would indeed like to learn something new... Curious Tomes

"Robert11" ...

Reply to
Tomes

Dave Dave is correct because the transmission interlock system uses an electrical solenoid to retract a plunger to allow the shifter to move out of the park position. An electrical solenoid is basically an electro-magnet. Apply power to the coil, the magnet activates, and pulls a rod out of the way so the shifter can get past it. The shift lock override allows you to push the plunger out of the way with a key or screwdriver if the solenoid fails or there is no power at all.

Reply to
Ray O

Hi,

Removing the small cap, and pushing down with the screwdriver worked just perfectly. The pushing on the brake didn't.

Thanks all.

Bob

Reply to
Robert11

Thanks for the follow up, much appreciated. Tomes

Reply to
Tomes

"Ray O"...

Thanks for the explanation Ray. I get this now. Tomes

Reply to
Tomes

You're welcome!

Reply to
Ray O

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