shift lock engaged - wet weather

[Hovercraft]

Hello - wondering if anyone else has had this problem. On two different occasions, I have had the shift lock engage and not release. i.e. you can't move from P to R/D or the reverse. I have had to manually disengage the shiftlock via the override (removing the little cap and pushing a screwdriver down into the hole).

On both occasions, it was a very wet day. After the first, I took it to the dealer, but of course the issue couldn't be replicated (mechanism dried out?). I will take it back but would be grateful if anyone had any further insight. I understand that there is a solenoid that may be the culprit. Thanks.

 

[Gunkk]

Was the brake pedal switch recall done on your car?

 

[Hovercraft]

I'm not sure (second owner). Did the recall cover 2012?

 

[Bill K]

I believe that it was only 2009 and 2010.

 

[Hovercraft]

Update - took it to the dealer and they will will replace the 'brake switch' under warranty.

 

[Hovercraft]

Update - brake switch/sensor was replaced, but issue still persists. Will be bringing it back to the dealer. Warranty has since expired, so we will see where this leads.

Yesterday, after a thunderstorm, I noticed the rear brake lights were on - even though it had been parked for a few days. The shift lock issue was also present when I jumped in to try it.

 

[EdP]

Update - brake switch/sensor was replaced, but issue still persists. Will be bringing it back to the dealer. Warranty has since expired, so we will see where this leads.
.

Since it is an ongoing problem I think you are OK. You can blame dealer incompetency for not fixing it properly the first time.

 

[MorrisGray]

It has happened to me before with my 2012 3.8L sedan. I believe I just turned it off and on a time or two and it worked properly again. It may have happened to me twice. I have taken it back to the dealer for recalls once or twice also but don't remember specifically what they were. I think one had to do with a brake reservoir or line. This car has been very good overall but a couple of weird things have happened as though the computer went haywire. Once it didn't want to run or shift properly. First, we thought a tire went flat or something strange while driving it. Then I coasted and determined it wasn't a tire. Acted like the exhaust was clogged and the motor didn't want to rev. Limped on home a few miles, revved it up in the driveway a few times, my wife thought I was going to blow the motor, and it seemed to quit. It sat overnight and was back to normal the next day. Not long after that I had to replace the battery and have had no problems since then! Could it have been the battery affecting the computer? I have no idea.

 

[Hovercraft]

An update - the dealer was not able to fix this issue. And now, with the cold weather, I am getting a different, but seemingly related, issue. The car won't start, but the battery seems OK (boosting didn't help). The 'press down on the brake before starting' message appears even though I have the brake pedal pressed down firmly. It seems the car doesn't recognize the brake pedal is depressed and won't allow it to start (similar to the shift lock issue). Will have it towed to the nearby dealer (different than where I bought it). Maybe these guys can find the problem.

 

[Gunkk]

You can hold the start button in for 20+ seconds and it should start.

Do the rear brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal?

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Hovercraft]

Tried to hold the start button for 20+ seconds, but nothing happened. Didn't have anyone around to check the brake lights. Waiting on the tow truck...

 

[Hovercraft]

The new dealer said it was obviously the brake switch - it was actually full of water. They weren't sure how the other dealer missed it. They said it looked like it may have been damaged when a remote starter was installed (by previous owner). Only cost C$200 to fix it, so I am hoping that solves my issues.