Car won't shift out of park in Chicago, IL
The shifter is stuck in Park and won't move even with your foot on the brake. Most of the time it's a simple brake-shift interlock issue you can override yourself; sometimes it's a dead battery or a failed shifter that needs a shop.
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Try the shift-lock override
Most 'stuck in park' cases are the brake-shift interlock. There's a manual override on nearly every automatic that frees it in seconds.
⚠️ Safety first
Only do this on level ground with the parking brake set — releasing Park lets the car roll. If you're on any slope, chock the wheels first.
- 1Make sure the car is fully in Park and the parking brake is on.
- 2Press and hold the brake pedal firmly — a weak press won't release the interlock.
- 3Find the shift-lock override: a small slot or cap near the shifter, often marked 'Shift Lock'.
- 4Pop the cover and press down inside the slot with a key or screwdriver while holding the brake.
- 5With the override pressed and brake held, move the shifter out of Park.
- 6If it releases, drive straight to a shop — the interlock or brake switch still needs fixing.
Likely a dead battery — power it first
No power means the shift interlock can't release. A dead battery is the usual cause; a jump start often frees the shifter too.
⚠️ Safety first
Don't attempt a jump if the battery is cracked, swollen or leaking — request service instead.
- 1If you have cables or a jump pack and feel safe, try a jump start first.
- 2With power restored, hold the brake and shift normally.
- 3If it still won't shift after power is back, use the shift-lock override or request a tow.
- 4Request a jump start and the driver can help confirm the battery and shifter.
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