the 1997 nissan maxima will not allow me to shift it, and I can't find the release button?
- posted
16 years ago
the 1997 nissan maxima will not allow me to shift it, and I can't find the release button?
Automatic? - try pressing button on side
Manual ? - try pressing clutch
If automatic and the button on the shifter won't push, has there been a recent drink spill in the area? These things get gunked up from the "Pepsi" syndrome. Anything spilled in the cup holder area ends up in the shifter release mechanism.
Pop off the cover around the shifter (it snaps in from the back end) and check down in there. There is no specific release button, but you should find the pivot point in the locking mechanism on the right side of the rig. Turn the key to the "run" position (not necessary to actually start it) to unlock the wheel and press the brake pedal to activate the shift lock release. Does the solenoid (bottom rear right corner of the shift mechanism) try to move? If it does, but the button on the stick still doesn't release, try cleaning the gunk out of everything down there and you might free it up. If the solenoid doesn't do anything, check the electrical switch on the brake pedal. If the switch on the pedal is working (current gets to the solenoid when you press the pedal), replace the solenoid.
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