D2 Won't shift into Park
 

Driving to the gas station last night, my D2 suddenly decided it didn't want to shift into Park. I've searched the forum, but haven't found much.

I've checked the fuses, and the brake lights are working. I've also taken the shift knob/shift console off looking for obstructions, but there are none.

Transmission shifts into all gears perfectly, except Park. Truck runs fine and shifts fine during load. Because I can't shift into Park, I can't get the key out, nor can I lock it.

I haven't checked under the truck, as we're getting a lot of rain from the tropical storm.

Any ideas where to look next?

thanks guys,
rich

Ringerso-

Not sure if this is related or not, but I remember reading that you cannot shift out of park if there is a brake issue...

Weak Link: Park MechanismModels Affected: '95-'99 Discovery I
What Happens: Controls on the Discovery prohibit the transmission from being shifted out of Park if the brake system is not functioning properly. While this is useful in preventing accidents, unfortunately the controls fail at a higher rate than the brake system.
Sturdy Fix 1: The first step is to see if your brake lights are functioning. If not, check the F1 fuse to see if it is blown. Also check the brake-light terminals to ensure that they are not touching and causing a short.
Sturdy Fix 2: If the fuse is intact, the brake switch is the likely culprit. This switch activates your brake lights as well as the shift interlock solenoid that permits your shifter to move from Park when the brake pedal is depressed. While there is no aftermarket upgrade available, factory replacements are available from Expedition Exchange for less than $35. It is recommended you carry a spare brake switch since they are small, inexpensive, and easy to swap out if necessary.
Contact: Expedition Exchange

i have had this problem for almost a year, so good luck!

you can pop the cover off the shifter and stick your finger inside and push in the solenoid to get it in/out of park. it is easy once you get used to it.

for my truck it was a fuse (20 or 21 i think) that kept blowing. a 15 amp fuse. i tried a ton of stuff to no avail including the new brake light switch. finally gave up and brought to a shop, they said they found a short near a back light and fixed it for $50. it blew again the next day.

recently had it in shop again as i can't figure it out, they said it was just a fuse! didn't charge me a thing and so far it has not blown. been about a week so i'm still holding my breath.

anyway, good luck and do search on here, there were quite a few good threads i found. interlock solenoid were the key search terms.

You can remove the solenoid completely, which I recently did to prevent a situation like yours. If you pop the cover off your shifter you'll break it.

You have to pull the center console, then I think I was able to get it out with no other disassembly. But I remember having to fight it out.

There's a youtube video about the d1 transfer case mod that shows how to pull the console. You could do it in an afternoon.

I had the opposite problem, couldnt shift out of park. Mine was an easy solution that just required a new brake switch. Possibly the same?

Thanks Guys, I'll try fiddling with the solenoid. On the positive side, the battery went dead, and now the key comes out fine...LOL. I'll take a look when the torrential rain stops.

Thanks for the help. Since the brake lights are working, there are no fuses blown, and the brakes work fine, I'm going to try the solenoid first. If no joy, I'll look at the switch.