03 DII Stuck in Park - Can only shift with “button” under shift cover.

Does anyone know why this button sticks and won’t shift out of park like it used to? The correct gear letter or number is shown on the dash screen.

I lifted up the shifter cover and accessed the “button” to release it from P.

It seems it would be something electronic but I’m wondering if anyone knows.

Thank you

the arrow shows the button that gets stuck and locks you in park

 

Brake light switch?

 

Yank the solenoid

 

I believe when you go to start the disco or most cars you can’t shift out of park without your foot being on the brake. When you push the brake in park it activates that push bottom solenoid so you can move the lever

so you have a bad solenoid
or no power going to it when you push on brake

a little troubleshooting that’s all

 

If the brake lights are working, does that mean it couldn’t be the brake light switch? I’ll have to check if the brake lights are working tomorrow... I didn’t think to check that.

 

I wouldn’t know what the next step would be in troubleshooting this issue without removing this part and replacing it to see if the issue was resolved.

Would that be it or what would you try next without buying a replacement solenoid and apparently brake light switch?

https://www.roverparts.com/electrica...ds/UFN100050G/

 

Do you mean just remove it and use the car without replacing that part, or just get a replacement solenoid?

 

In the experience of many of us on this forum, a failed brake light switch is the most common reason for the shifter to be stuck in Park. The BCU won't release the shifter solenoid unless the brake light switch circuit is grounded.

Before you go tearing into the solenoid, test the brake light switch. With the ignition switch in Position II, step on the brake pedal and see if the brake lights come on. If they don't come on, replace the brake light switch. It's a $15 part, and the last one I bought from AutoZone was in a Duralast box but was marked Land Rover. (Note: The brake light switches being sold today have a different design than the original but fit and function the same way.

 

Hmm, I turner the key to position II and put my phone out recording video while I pressed the brake pedal a few times. The pedal felt very stiff. The car had been sitting overnight. I checked the video and didn’t see the lights go on. I’ll check again at night just to be sure and perhaps when the vehicle is on. If it’s the brake light switch, does anyone know if this is the ideal part? I understand there’s an updated part. Is this one OEM or is there something else that would be a better choice? Also, I’m not going to pretend I know how to do this: does anyone happen to know a bit of the procedure? I understand the switch is under the dash on the driver’s side behind the panel with the OBD II port. Will I be able to simply remove the panel, replace the switch and be on my way or is there anything additional to remove or any special instructions to prevent activating any kind of security issues with the vehicle? Thanks y’all

This is one of the parts I’ve found that’d be available soonest, although I’m in no real rush and would prefer to use the most widely recommended part: https://m.autozone.com/electrical-an...63568_0_0?aqs=

 

The switch from Auto Zone is a Duralast box with a LR Part in the box. Funny thing is they used to be 13.00, then 15.00, and now 26.00 so someone caught on lol.