Won't go into gear / slipping in Southfield, MI
A slipping or stuck transmission is one place not to "nurse it home" — driving on grinds metal into the fluid. But a shifter stuck in Park often has a simple manual override.
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Try the shift-lock release
A stuck-in-Park shifter is often the brake-shift interlock, and every car has a manual override.
- 1Press the brake firmly and try again — the brake-light switch is a common culprit.
- 2Look for a small slotted cover near the shifter labeled with a key or 'shift lock'.
- 3Pry the cover off, press down into the slot with a key or screwdriver, and move the shifter with the brake pressed.
- 4If it shifts, the interlock or brake switch needs a shop soon.
- 5If nothing works, request a tow.
Slipping transmission — tow it
Driving a slipping transmission grinds metal into the fluid and turns a repair into a replacement.
- 1Check the transmission fluid if the car has a dipstick (engine idling, in Park) — low, dark or burnt-smelling fluid confirms it.
- 2Don't 'nurse it home'.
- 3Request a tow to a transmission shop.
Get a tow to a shop
Grinding, banging or a burning smell from the drivetrain needs a shop, not another mile.
⚠️ Safety first
Grinding or banging from the drivetrain can drop debris or lock a wheel — don't keep driving.
- 1Stop somewhere safe.
- 2Request a tow.
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TowGo · Roadside help in Southfield, Michigan