If you can’t get your vehicle out of park, how are you going to get anywhere? Follow along with this Real Fix to see how a problem with the shifter interlock was resolved on this Nissan Pathfinder.
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.5
Title
Transmission Stuck In Park, Replaced Transmission Shift Interlock Solenoid
Complaint
The customer states the transmission is stuck in park.
Cause
Confirmed the customer’s concern and found the transmission was stuck in park. Key on, engine off, used a scan tool to monitor the live data and depressed the brake pedal. The brake light switch parameter changed state when the brake pedal was depressed, which indicated the brake light switch operated properly. Visually inspected the transmission shift interlock solenoid wiring harness and found no signs of damage. Key on, engine off, used a multi-meter to check for voltage and ground at the transmission shift interlock solenoid and found both were present. With the key on, engine off, and the brake pedal depressed, used the multi-meter to check for ground at the transmission shift interlock solenoid and found ground was not present as specified. Used a set of fused jumper wires, repeatedly applied voltage and ground to the transmission shift interlock solenoid, and found the solenoid did not make an audible click, which verified it was defective.
Correction
Replaced the transmission shift interlock solenoid and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.