Car won't shift out of park in Farmington Hills, MI
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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