Yet ANOTHER problem with my GMC

MilleniumSS03 · February 10, 2003

Hey guys, I have another prob with my 97 GMC. I can't seem to shift out of park. If I turn the ignition all the way without starting the car it will come out of gear but once I throw it in park it will not come out. A while back I replaced the brake light swith down there and had to drop the steering column. It never happened before this and now it does. Did I do something when I dropped the column or what?

Shaners · February 10, 2003

Are you saying it will not come out of park even when you have your foot on the brake pedal?

Somewhere in the brake mechanism I believe there is an interlock switch that releases the shifter from the "P" position when you have your foot on the brake. You may have messed this up a little when you dropped the steering column, but I can't be sure because I don't really know how this system works. I have an idea on how it works but I have never looked it up in a service manual.

MilleniumSS03 · February 11, 2003

Yes it won't come out when I have my foot on the brake pedal. Would it be in a manual if I bought one?

BlueRado · February 11, 2003

Millenium, there may be a simple threaded collar adjustment on the interlock switch to get the button set to the proper height for the brake, assuming it's pretty close already. If it's like others I've seen it's similar to a simple push-button table lamp switch, but thicker. Usually the brake pedal support would press against it. Also it could simply be going bad as well. ???

I don't know this for certain w/ your '97, but I have seen this on other vehicles.

You might check w/ a Chiltons manual at a parts store - if you can find them!

That's all I know - probably not much help, but maybe it'll give you a few ideas. Good luck.