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