About Jay Cooney Expertise I can answer any question about any GM steering column with my having over 30 years of GM experience. I will answer general questions on any other steering column manufactured by the major automakers. I will do what I can to help troubleshoot and repair a steering column.
Experience I have over 30 years experience in auto repair. I have repaired or rebuilt thousands of vehicles. My expertise is general and mechanical (gas and diesel) troubleshooting along with a vast electrical background. I have accumulated an extensive library of repair manuals and have researched every car problem from AMC's to Z-71's.
Expert: Jay Cooney Date: 10/3/2006 Subject: 97 GMC Can't Shift out of Park
Question Hi Jay,
I have a 1997 GMC Sierra 4x4 with auto trans. Shifter on the column.
I went to move the truck today and could not get it out of park. Brake lites do work.
Tried and tried this afternoon, no luck.
Just went out now to check if the solenoid was working and could hear it clicking when I had the ignition "on" and pressed the brake. I pressed the brake about 10 times and then it let me shift.
2 questions:
First question: Is there an emergency release so I can shift out of park if, lets say, the battery is dead and it needs a tow?
Second question, does the interlock need to be adjusted and if so what is the procedure?
I looked in my copy of Chiltons but they seem to be ignoring the brake/transmission interlock.
Thanks Tim
Answer Hello Tim,
The BTSI Brake Transmission Shift Interlock is located on the transmission shift linkage. I have seen these come loose and cause the problem you are describing. You'll have to crawl underneath to get at it.
Hope that helps.
Have a great day!
-Jay
