Hava a 98 Legacy with the 2.2 and the automatic.

Yesterday I was parked on a slight hill, started the car, tried to put it into drive.

Release button on the shifter would not go in! at least not enough to release the shifter.

I could hear a solenoid clicking, but it took me about 15 minutes of playing with it to get it to go. I still don't know why it finally decided to go.

 

Is this a common problem?

 

It has balked once or twice before, but not like this

 

swi66

Hava a 98 Legacy with the 2.2 and the automatic.

Yesterday I was parked on a slight hill, started the car, tried to put it into drive.

Release button on the shifter would not go in! at least not enough to release the shifter.

I could hear a solenoid clicking, but it took me about 15 minutes of playing with it to get it to go. I still don't know why it finally decided to go.

 

Is this a common problem?

 

It has balked once or twice before, but not like this

 

swi66

 

I don't know the exact reason this happened to you but there is a way to release the shifter from "P" if the BTSI (brake-transmission shift interlock) system fails. There is a BTSI over-ride lever at the front of the shifter (under the console). By pressing on this over-ride lever, it'll allow the shifter to release from "P". The only tool you'll need is a Phillips screwdriver. Do you want to know how to use this over-ride lever if the problem re-occurs??

 

It sounds like the problem is with that BTSI system. Just as an aside though--did you apply the parking brake---before you let go of the brake pedal--- when you parked the vehicle on that slight hill?? Doing that will prevent the weight of the parked vehicle from resting on and possibly jamming the park pawl mechanism inside the transmission----

I vote for the parking pawl being jammed.

Check your fuses, I had this happen in a 95 wagon, when replaced the blown fuse it worked fine. Note, you need to be stepping on the brake at the same time you try to take it out of park.

Check your fuses, I had this happen in a 95 wagon, when replaced the blown fuse it worked fine. Note, you need to be stepping on the brake at the same time you try to take it out of park.

 

I know I should but I generally don't use the parking brake, a NY car with all the salt here, it doesn't release all the way, and I kept it well lubed but it would drag if applied.

 

I don't think it is a fuse because I heard a solenoid clicking, and it finally did release, I had even tried bracing myself in the door jam and rocking the car, didn't work right away.

 

And yes I stepped on the brake.......been driving this car since it was new, and it has balked on occasion, but never like it did yesterday.........

 

Thanks for the info on the override lever, I bet I can find it if I need to.

 

swi66

Out of all the cars I've owned with A/T, I can count the number of times I've used the parking brake on one hand.

I have a 00 forester, and I've had a similar occurance, but it only happens when the car has been sittin out in the cold. when I press the release button on the shifter, I can hear (what I presume is) the solenoid clicking, but I cant get the lever out of park. I have to sit there for 10 minutes or so just wiggling it until releases, then everything works just fine.

 

I tried to think if these problems could be related, but cant think of anything.

I have a 00 forester, and I've had a similar occurance, but it only happens when the car has been sittin out in the cold. when I press the release button on the shifter, I can hear (what I presume is) the solenoid clicking, but I cant get the lever out of park. I have to sit there for 10 minutes or so just wiggling it until releases, then everything works just fine.

 

I tried to think if these problems could be related, but cant think of anything.

 

This makes me wonder if the BTSI solenoid is somehow adjustable (for length of travel) or maybe your solenoid is beginning to fail.

The e-brake is a use-it-or-lose-it type device where salt is applied to the roads. I use mine every day and I insist that my wife does the same. If the brakes drag following application because of lack of use then replace the cables and use it every day. You'll really hate that rust if the hydraulic brakes fail and the e-brake doesn't work. In NY one will fail annual inspection if the e-brake is faulty. Using it is free.

 

</soapbox>

Does it release if you push the shifter forward firmly with the palm of your hand as you push the button? If it does, the trans linkage needs to be adjusted.