Thread: 2002 GP GT shifter stuck in park.

I'm a new member and tried searching for info but didn't find what I needed so I'll be posting questions.

My nephew just got a 2002 Grand Prix GT and it has a few issues that I'll help him with. He wants to learn how to fix cars so good old uncle Dan will teach him :-)

The first issue is the automatic shifter is stuck in park. The button to disengage it doesn't work. We have to push down in the slot in the console with a ballpoint pen to get it to move out of park.
Is this a common and easy fix?
If so, can you point me to the proper thread for it?
Thanks.
Danford1

Zip tie around what?
Please explain.
Thanks.
Danford1

He is talking about popping the bezel around the shifter off and putting a zip tie around the plunger that keeps you from operating the shifter unless the brake pedal is depressed. That is a point to test as well. Your problem could be a broken wire or a bad brake light switch to name two.

Thank you. I found a video on youtube where he replaced the brake light switch which didn't fix the problem but he did have a broken wire inside the console which was the problem.
When my nephew comes over we will pull apart the console and check the solenoid and wires.
Thanks again.
Danford1

Originally Posted by Scottydoggs

check the wires to the plug on the shiftier. they can break off and cause this issue.

doing the zip tie deal works, but it also allows the shiftier to be taken from park when the car is off.

I'd rather show him how to fix the problem correctly. No zip ties for this repair. I can trouble shoot electric problems, I'll teach him how to fix this so he learns more about working on cars. There is a lot of things to fix on this car :-)

Danford1

Originally Posted by 1ATony

Welcome to the site

Thank you.
I hope to get a few answers to other problems on this car.
I post new threads for those problems.
While I'm here, is the a thread that lists a lot of common problems with these cars?
I would like to read through it and check my nephews car out to see if there is something we can tackle now while his car is here. All problems and concerns we take care of now will mean he can enjoy his GP More in the future.

Danford1

Not sure if we have this, but a friend's Corolla had a blown fuse causing the same problem. I don't remember which fuse, though.

Welcome to the GP world!