Auto Transmission will not shift into Drive.

White/Cedar · #1 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 05:23 PM

My '04 with an automatic transmission is finicky and often will not shift down past neutral into Drive etc, it can be shifted into P R & N, after much rattling of the shifter it will usually allow shifting into Drive etc. This is real embarrassing after you have just backed out of a parking space.

Has anyone else had or heard of this problem or is there a recall related to this?

old man · #2 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 05:33 PM

never heard of that problem before sorry cant help

DICKBEE7631 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White/Cedar

My '04 with an automatic transmission is finicky and often will not shift down past neutral into Drive etc, it can be shifted into P R & N, after much rattling of the shifter it will usually allow shifting into Drive etc. This is real embarrassing after you have just backed out of a parking space.

Has anyone else had or heard of this problem or is there a recall related to this?

I have the '04 Autostick and had a problem which prevented the car from shifting out of Park. The first time it happened, I had only owned the car about 2 weeks and was quite shocked. The problem was erratic...not always happening. When it did happen, my only recourse was to insert the flat wrench/tool into that little hole near the shifter and manually release the shift-lever. I have a Max-Care warranty and unfortunately the $35 switch that had failed (I think it's the switch that tells the tranny you have your foot depressed on the brake) cost me $250 to replace. The part, they claim, was not covered by the warranty. No problem since replacement of that little switch. Doubt it's your problem, but it is similar.

White/Cedar · #4 (**permalink**) 04-13-2008, 03:12 PM

I disassembled the console and found sodapop syrup goo. I took hot water and dish soap to gingerly cleanup the goo. I applied the soap solution to the sliding panels that move when you shift and exercised the shifter, repeating this procedure until felt they were cleaned then lightly rinsed with hot water. NO MORE PROBLEMS up to this date.

RELATED ITEM: The mirrors control was very stiff and stiffer as the temperature dropped. I pulled straight up to remove the **** and discovered the same goo. Cleaned away the goo with the above solution and the control works like new.

THANK YOU TO THE FORUM:

I have been able to find answers to my questions, how to remove, how does this work, etc, by searching the posts!

imabenz · #5 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008, 05:35 AM

The Cupholder strikes again!

Glad to hear that it didn't require any service. I can only imagine what a mechanic would have gone through to fix that problem. I am sure that they would have never found the goooo.

Good job.

xfire2005 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-14-2008, 08:20 AM

Welcome to our forum White/Cedar!

stevebeech · #7 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 11:53 AM

My Crossfire now stuck in 'P' unless I inseret a pen into the hole below 'D' to release. Taking it to local mechanic but before I do have you any ideas ?

oledoc2u · #8 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 02:50 PM

safety switch on the brake would be my first look...

stevebeech · #9 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011, 08:33 AM

Yeah, I assumed that would be ok if the brake lights worked which they do. Will investigate further though.

onehundred80 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevebeech

Yeah, I assumed that would be ok if the brake lights worked which they do. Will investigate further though.

The switch powers a solenoid on the transmission change housing, there are adjustments for that, see the repair manual. It says the solenoid is not repairable separately which could get expensive unless you (illegally?) remove or immobilize the solenoid completely if it is possible.

stevebeech · #11 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011, 08:47 AM

Sounds interesting. Many thanx. I dont own a repair manual unfortunately so if you know where the switch is located I would have a look. Sorry to be a pain.

onehundred80 · #12 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevebeech

Sounds interesting. Many thanx. I dont own a repair manual unfortunately so if you know where the switch is located I would have a look. Sorry to be a pain.

The Repair Manual and many other useful pieces of information can be found here.
Follow the directions and save a copy to your computer.
http://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/...ollection.html

stevebeech · #13 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011, 08:57 AM

Many thanx. It would appear all the info i need is here on this site. How could i ever thank you

tighed1 · #14 (**permalink**) 09-21-2011, 09:02 AM

All of the information IS here!
Keep reading Steve!
Welcome to the Forum!

Crossfire-juarez7 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-05-2012, 09:44 PM

Hello I have the same problem my tranny sometimes will not shift into drive or revers. Its really embarrasing because I have to mess with it in order for it to work. Can you guys help me on a step guide to disassemble and get a look to see if theres soda goo. If not so I can take it to get it fixed. Much help needed please help. Thank you

stevebeech · #16 (**permalink**) 05-06-2012, 04:10 AM

Firstly, make sure its not the selector swicth. You can check this by prodding a pen into the small hole at the lower part of the selector lever. If that works then you will need to replace the swicth which in my case was very cheap at my local garage. £12 for switch & £10 labour. If its the gear box 'goo' then I am not able to assist you because I havn't experienced that. 'Yet'. Hope this helps.

05-06-2012, 04:10 AM