2002 Pontiac Grand Prix "Press Brake to shift from Park" switch fix

We had the bit of a breakdown the other day, the Grand Prix wouldn't shift from Park. Pontiac does provide a manual bypass but it's kinda a pain to use, so I tear apart the system and figure out exactly what's wrong.
It is the system of where you need to press the brake to shift from Park.

[@keithtacey27]

I've been searching and searching for a video on this exact issue -- Thank you sir

[@Turbo231]

Yeah, I wish I had documented the wire colors a little better, but oh well.

[@SkyKatana]

I just got a 97 where this was broken, but my solenoid is actually broken off, allowing me to shift out of park without applying the brake or pushing the button on the shifter. A blessing in disguise? I can now put a manual knob on it.

[@steve20118]

Thank you so much for posting this! My car had a broken pink wire at the connector. This was an intermittent problem over the last 10 years until 2 weeks ago it completely failed. Stripped back a little wire and soldered it to the broken copper wire that was still pinched in the terminal. You saved me so much time!

[@Turbo231]

Awesome. Mine I think just failed, giving me not much choice but to find it.

[@3sotErik]

To other ppl, check the wires all the way back to the clip before taking off the plug. My nephew's car had three broken wires one of which was broken in two spots. Thumbs up. Thanks for the vid.

[@YNGRICH419]

@turbo231 .... I dnt know it works tho'. I installed everything back together and its letting me shift with no problem. It seems weird that when I shut the car off the solenoid pops in, and when I turn the car on it pops out. But hey if, I have no problems then there's no complaining. Thanks for the video. People like you deserves to be rewarded.

[@gearkat]

I had a problem with the green and purple wires, just like you seem to be on the edge of having in this video. My problem was the key getting stuck in the ignition. In my case the green and purple wires had separated completely from the switch. If you want to see how I fixed this, check out my video.

[@josegamez8510]

Can you share the video? Pls

[@marjorieroswell]

Thank you! Just knowing about the manual switch was such a huge help. I didn't get into the wiring or soldering... just used the switch, and now will be able to drive it into a garage to have it fixed. I was so anxious: last time I needed a tow (different car), the tow-truck couldn't get in to the garage. Another tow-truck got in by removing all the lights from the top of the vehicle. Your video spared us all that hassle. (I guess it wouldn't even tow without moving out of park, but hopefully the tow driver would've known...) In any case, lots of anxiety abated, thanks to your video :)

[@IanBarclay]

I seem to have a similar problem with my Gran Prix 2002 shifter, but it's not related to getting out of park, it's related to not being able to remove the key. The last time I had this issue I had to replace the entire shifter assembly. So this 2nd time when it happened I did the same thing, but it didn't fix it. My mechanic said it could be the solenoid in the steering column, but after seeing this video, I think it might be the cheap wire harness.

[@GhettoWagon]

The shift interlock is disabled on my car! Its great!

[@AM-sq5ut]

This is exactly what happened to my 2k GP last year.. I had 2 broken wires.

[@77biker777]

A M do you remember if the pink or orange wire was in the middle? Those 2 had pulled out. Pink and green on the one side then purple on the other side but I’m not sure if orange or pink goes next to purple. Thanks!

[@AM-sq5ut]

@@77biker777 I'll find the picture I took and get back to you...

[@77biker777]

Sweet, thanks man

[@AM-sq5ut]

@@77biker777 It goes, purple, pink then orange.

[@77biker777]

You rock. Thanks again Sir!

[@AM-sq5ut]

Thank You Turbo231! This is still a Great Video btw! This exact thing happened to my 2000 GP we purchased brand new. It was still under warranty (first 36 months). We were told it was the "wiring harness" by the dealer service dept. Now 19 years later for the last 30 days or so, this issue came up again. 170k miles on our GP and she keeps on ticking! I'll open up the shift/console this weekend and check for broken wires. :o) God Bless!!

[@Turbo231]

Thanks! I’m pretty close to replacing the ign wire on this gp for the same darn issue.

[@AM-sq5ut]

UPDATE: Opened the console and Found 2 wires broke loose. A third one broke when I unplugged the harness. Soldered all three back together and I'm rolling smooth again! Thanks again for the great video!

[@ncrdisabled]

I think you could have pulled out the old switch and ohm ed it out when it was open and when it was closed $20.00 is not a lot unless your disabled on ssdi like me but I thank you for showing where it is and now I can help my friend pull his out and test it which saved him from buying a switch . Any idea on how to replace spark plugs on a 2003 chevy van I have heard you have to pull the engine forward.

[@KohanaCoyote]

I am so glad my cutlass ciera does not have this mechanism. I don't need it really. No children climb in my car and I always apply the Parking Brake in Neutral then shift to park.

[@kingocarter5493]

You don't know how much you have helped me sir

[@IanBarclay]

Actually I've fixed it now. It seems the problem was the wires in the connector. I had to take out the Purple/White wire and solider it to the pin. After that, it's working great. I think my Mechanic messed up the connector when he pulled it out of the old shifter.

[@McDougal51]

I have this same problem along with a bunch of other problems with my gp

[@icemancometh8679]

I have a 1989 Pontiac Grand Am with the same problem only I replaced the steering column in it with the new one and my shifter doesn't shift it's not the brake light switch cuz they say if that is out your tail lights won't work and my tail lights work. Has something to do with the key switch only I don't know what that is

[@Turbo231]

Yeah, not 100% sure what drives the command to the plug to release the relay, you may need to track it back until you find the issue. The brake switch as a few outputs I recall, maybe only one has failed.

[@icemancometh8679]

@@Turbo231 there's a shiny metal bracket on my steering column that I attached with two screws it's a ignition switch? maybe I put that on backwards or something I don't know

[@davidploessl1796]

Thanks for the sweet video man. I wish you would have shown the map of the wires a little longer. I had to guess on a couple and got it right the first time :) The map for future reference is: Top left: Open Top Middle: Green Top right: Pink Bottom Left: Purple w/ white stripe Bottom Middle: Pink Bottom right: Orange w/ black stripe This is of coarse looking at the harness from the side that's opposite of the wires sticking out and having the snap for the connector on top. Thanks again!!!

[@hayesvidspics5982]

+David Ploessl Glad you posted the map of the wires, I had two wires off.

[@arnel4539]

Thank you so much David! I had been looking for this info since yesterday. Two of my wires were broken off and I didn't want to have to guess where to attach them.

[@Melancholy43952]

Same problem I am having on my '97. I had almost an entire can of Mt Dew spill down inside the shifter shortly before I started having this issue. My only problem is that it's gotten to the point where the manual override no longer gets it out of park. It takes 10-15 minutes of pressing and wiggling, so I started leaving it in neutral and using my ebrake so as to not have to fuss with it. Well my ebrake snapped last night so now I have to deal with it.

[@hayesvidspics5982]

I had the purple/white and orange/ black wire off. Now it shifts out of park , the drivers side would lock itself if the keys were left in the ignition and the keys were constantly not coming out of the ignition but it looks like fixing two wires seems to have fixed three problems on our 02 Grand Prix S E. Thanks for posting the video

[@lelegross4855]

I think my gears are stripped. Won't go at all now. Maybe a transmission issue. Help please. O6 Pontiac grand prix

[@Turbo231]

You might have broken something, really the only way to find out is to open it up and see. If you aren’t comfortable with that then it may be time to take it to a mechanic.

[@lelegross4855]

@@Turbo231 is it possible it's the gears. It did go in 1 then I could ease up to drive and after every stop back to 1 again. A mechanic is a definite just dont wanna get ripped off. Thank u for replying 👊

[@johnjohn8431]

I changed my brake switch but that wasn't the problem. How can I check the plug you soldered to see if I am getting power?

[@Turbo231]

Well, you’d need to find which wire has power and use your volt meter to check it to ground while you pressed the brake peddle down. I’m not sure which color and not sure if I showed the diagram in the video or not.

[@johnjohn8431]

@@Turbo231 How do I check it with my multimeter? It is the same adapter that you soldered. Which holes do I put the black and red electrodes in? Thanks for you help. I really don't know what to do next since the wire may have power and the solenoid might be dead.

[@johnjohn8431]

How do I "ohm out" the contacts that you did in the adapter?

[@Turbo231]

It doesn’t matter which ones, volt meters will read forward and backwards. You are looking for the power pair that turns on with the brake pedal. Check those for damage.

[@Turbo231]

Using the ohm meter setting, you can see if there is no resistance or some resistance in a wire or connector.

[@denniscox3974]

Fricken awesome ,.

[@EddieVBlueIsland]

You left out the fact that you need to remove the blue clip and the Molex pin using a paper clip wire pushed into the inner connection side of the pin to release it from the Molex plastic holder. I had two wires break same location orange and purple. I put orange on bottom and purple on upside and it works.

[@Patriot326]

Yep just found a broken wire on the one i was diagnosen

[@Turbo231]

It’s fairly common.

[@arnel4539]

This tutorial would have been great, if you had showed us the correct placement of the color coded wires, so we don't have to guess in case some of the wires are broken. You had it written down on a paper but you didn't show it for us.

[@Turbo231]

Yes, kinda. That information is on the web but can vary from model to model, year to year, and hopefully you have enough wire left to see where they go.

[@arnel4539]

@@Turbo231 There was no broken wire at all left inside the connector, just some bare copper strands. But the comment made on this page by David Ploessl helped, + I finally found a wiring diagram online too. I purchased an aftermarket pigtail with six grey wires. The connector was marked A,B,C,D,E and F. These letters were also on the original part, and on the wiring diagram I found. If I knew how to attach the diagram to this page I would do that. Thanks for the response.

[@Turbo231]

No...it's only related to the brake switch...aka you need to have the brake pedal depressed to shift from park. You should be able to make the solenoid move in and out based on depressing the pedal.

[@josegamez8510]

hi . i have the same problem and the shifter solenoid comes in one unit solenoid sfter handle bracket and cable i found the whole thing in the junk yard but the cable wont come loose and wont cine out with out the unit what did yu do to replace tge solenoid?

[@Turbo231]

I only worked on the cables as they were separate pieces.

[@jskjtm]

Thanks- you may have just saved me $20! I will check for broken/disconnected wires first.

[@darykinnaman2319]

I have this problem with the exact car. Thank you, I will post my results after I troubleshoot and repair.

[@katiedouglas1310]

Hi Turbo231 I have a question I'm hoping you can help me with! I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix I was watching this video because I'm having the same problem. (won't shift out of park) Thing is, I had an energy drink explode and go down my whole shifting mechanism. I'm about 95% positive it messed something up. Something is sticking or took a crap due to the moisture/stickiness.. Any ideas on what it could be?

[@freshnessamy]

it could have shorted out your switch under your shifter

[@teejay9957]

I just crammed an oversize screw in the shift lock release button and it works like new.

[@mikerasmussen7642]

I also used a napkin ball to hold the clip open instead of all the soldering. works great !

[@josegamez8510]

I heard of using a zip tie but i dont know if will bring risks or comsecuences

[@Dan-vb3ju]

Also if you can't take the key out of the ignition look for a broken wire at base of shifter, they are all related to same broken wires

[@MickeyD2012]

I'd just pull the damn lock off. But I know how to operate a vehicle, too. Thanks for the video.

[@storm10188]

Hey thanks for posting this video, it led me straight to the issue on our "new" Grand Prix. For anyone else looking at this, if you're looking to replace the terminals instead of soldering, they're called "female metri pack terminals"

[@josegamez8510]

I pulled out a harness of the shift handle to the solenoid from the junk yard i slammed on to mine but it didnt work . Now i have also the ignition switch getting looked

[@galaxyprime6543]

thanks buddie it was the wires on my 1998 grand prix gt

[@spelunkerd]

I'm guessing that the shift lock release hole allows you to slide a flat screwdriver down to release it manually. I know what you mean when you describe owning a small fleet of vehicles, same here. Good video.

[@darkrp7674]

What's the item number for it?

[@Turbo231]

Not quite sure anymore, you’ll need to do an internet search.

[@warrenrutledge8393]

Great great!

[@Turbo231]

Glad it could help, car is still in service today.

[@YNGRICH419]

Yes, I have, to press the brake to shift from park

[@henrysanjurjo2370]

This same thing happened to my Grand Prix. I saw the broken wires but I didn't feel like doing the work to re-splice it so i just stuck a rolled up piece of napkin between the white plastic thing lol.

[@Turbo231]

@djbazzmaster Mechanical/Electrical Engineer by education, but now work as a museum consultant.

[@Turbo231]

There is a bypass...just pull that little cover never to the shifter and put a screw driver down it, it will temp bypass the lockout.

[@Solonghoney]

You literally saved my life

[@YNGRICH419]

@turbo231 just changed the plug on the bottom of the shifter. It was working but now it doesn't. I notice when i turn the car off the solenoid pops in, when I turn the car on it pops out, does it supposed to do that

[@Thunder-iu6ev]

I have the same problem on my 2002 grand prix with 216000 miles on it. I haven't torn into yet but more then likely the same problem. Thank you

[@Turbo231]

Do you have to press the pedal to shift from park? Trying to think but if the car is off with no key, I wonder if you can still shift from park without pressing the brake...also if the battery isn't connected...will have to look myself.

[@Turbo231]

@ncrdisabled Very true...if I had tested it better in the first place, I could have saved myself the 20 bucks, the catch is it's a pain in the butt to get too. After ordering the switch, some more research showed that the wires tend to seperate from that plug, which is why I went back and looked at it closer. As for the plugs on a chevy van...find someone with small arms. That usually works well.

[@Turbo231]

Well, the button on the shifter is a mechanical linkage not related to the brake solenoid. That has a good function, the brake from park, meh...not so much.

[@GregersLife]

Thanks!!! You save my day and 43 euro.

[@artistraindwain9855]

Nice video but how can I find the wire replacement for the shift inner lock . That`s just in case the wire adapter needs replaced

[@Christdeliverme]

Ok guys, so I need a bit of help. Pulled it all apart cut the harness (connector out) so I could work on it easier. I've noticed the two wires on top are cut into by that stupid blue clip retainer, BUT the copper isn't damaged and it has continuity. Bummer, However I DID find the purple wire on the lower set of pins has no continuity (loose wire inside) and a couple of other pins have corrosion. Two questions, #1 how in the world do I remove the pins, I cannot seem to get them to budge. #2 does anyone know what that purple wire actually does?

[@BabyGators]

Mine's like this right now - 2 broke wires. Once you remove blue retainer, you should be able to push the pins out. They'll be stubborn and may actually have a little glue holding them to the connector. If they're still giving you trouble, you may have to make your own jumper harness and solder wires directly to the solenoid. Not the best option, but it may be your only one if you can't get those pins out. No clue what the purple does.

[@Christdeliverme]

I ended up buying an ACDELCO replacement harness. They came with 16 ga wire, so of course even they realized the 20 ga that came (in my car at least) was ridiculously small.

[@BabyGators]

Beau Mancini Classic GM, make sure the exact fit replacement part is not exact fit.

[@Christdeliverme]

That bad boy is already linesmen spliced, soldered, and shrinked into place. I wouldn't and couldn't use the butt connectors they gave because the gauges were too far off.

[@DrP3pp3r714]

What was the part number?

[@Turbo231]

You may need to dig in a a Grand Prix automotive forum for that one.

[@BENCHPRESSMAN]

That must be common because the same thing happen to mine,how did get the pin out without breaking the relay.

[@mrjb1445]

looks like I'll need a brake switch to fix that problem

[@IanBarclay]

I understand the purple wire is the one relating to indicating the shifter is in park. I have a multimeter. What would be the best way to test the wire? I'm not sure what I should be looking for, I would think it's some thing like +12v when in park maybe?

[@Ryanmartin0506]

I recently had the issue with the ignition not releasing, opened the console to find green and purple wires both broken off. I had to go to work after I found it and had the connector disconnected, and the next day after a full repair of the wiring harness twice I get nothing from the brake pedal or the indicator on the dash showing what 'gear' the car is in. Is there a fuse or something else I might have damaged?

[@jload1]

Common problem and I did the same thing with mine.Replaced the brake switch, and it turned out to be a broken wire

[@Turbo231]

@slowride55 Not sure...I'm not the primary driver and don't fuel it, so I haven't really tracked it.

[@shellyspiller2671]

Can you post a picture of that wiring pattern? We have two wires off the shift control and have no idea how they go back on.

[@D3ATHDeaLerGames]

what is the part that the broke wires are from so that i can get a new one?

[@Turbo231]

Sorry, car is stored right now, I don't have access.

[@frambesbuckeye]

@slowride55 I get about 34mpg on fresh oil and good tires in the summer on the highway. It gets significantly less in the city though....around 15-19 depending on what type of driving.

[@gearkat]

Take a look at my video, I use a small screwdriver to push the L shaped terminals out from the other end. I also fully describe how to replace the L shaped terminals.

[@Marijanesflowers]

We'll found it..... It was a burned out BTSI fuse just replaced it with a new one from under the hood and it worked just fine... #Ontheroadagain:)

[@mrjb1445]

to keep mine from locking up sometimes I put it in neutral and put the emergency brake on and shut the car off that way it won't get stuck because it started doing the same problem on me recently

[@muhlbauer001]

i was having the same problem but i think that the interlock solenoid went bad on it anyone know how much a new solenoid would cost and if it is pretty simple to replace?

[@jaysterqureshi6437]

Get a load of that Canuck...You've got to love a guy who won't take any CRAP from his automobile~

[@tj4064]

What is that part called that has blue on it

[@brendanmay8527]

Mine will shift.. just won't shift into park anymore... Help anyone??

[@miltosrx8]

I just had the same problem. I put it into neutral and while pressing the stick button, I lifted the stick up a couple of inches ( not all the way out) and then pushed it back into place. That fixed it for me. Occasionaly it happens again but i just repeat the same thing and its ok again.

[@Patriot0205]

How do you take the little metal clips out? I dont want to force anything and break it. Also my metal clip that holds the shift knob on broke and was in 2 pieces when i took it out. Do they even carry a part that small at the dealer?

[@Turbo231]

Not sure which one you are referring to...the brake switch?

[@jsda2nd]

Thanks for the video. Really helpful.

[@Turbo231]

Lots of wiggling might do it. For the clip, try Napa honestly, its gonna be a generic part.

[@jaysterqureshi6437]

Get a load of that Canadian...You've got to love a guy who won't take any CRAP from his automobile~

[@slowride55]

About how many MPGs does it get?

[@Turbo231]

@spelunkerd Yeah...anything long will work...pencil, screwdriver...anything about 8" long.

[@THATBOIYUNG]

Having the same problem I just put 22" rims on mine and now this😩😩

[@gearkat]

Hi, My video shows how to repair those 'clips' from the green and purple wires. Those clips are known as L shaped terminals and I sell them individually on my ebay site under the user id thrumster009. I would like to thank the author of this video though in showing a another component that can break within this system.

[@capebretoner7]

What is the name of the switch to ask for frm dealer shop?

[@breakfastenjoyer]

Hey man, great video. I have a similar problem, except my key locks and won't let the car turn on. Now, i inspected it a bit more and saw that the wires on that same harness were frayed and cracked so I think I have to do what you did here. However, I'm entirely new to the DIY style of things and was wondering what tools I might need to do this? I'd greatly appreciate the help!

[@captaingenius-o1c]

You say the console is all 'clipped in'...Did you just pull up on it, or do you have to push in on the sides to release the clips...I'm just trying not to break the console...thanks....

[@captaingenius-o1c]

hello are you there? the console seems very rigid and firm....Not sure how you just override the clips without BREAKING them, which I'd rather not do....

[@Turbo231]

76reliant I don't recall actually.

[@BabyGators]

Just pull up, and pray. Stupid GM and their plastic crap. Mine's an 02 and they didn't break this time, although who knows if I have to pull it again.

[@Turbo231]

@randomrazr Pretty much the only way to afford to own a small fleet of functioning cars. :)

[@Marijanesflowers]

Hey so im a girl and i have a 2000 grand prix and i am literally stuck in a parking lot.... It will crank just fine but will NOT shift gears... Its hard to take off the console so i can have a look under... Please help STUCK in Texas....

[@shaunrusiecki1135]

I'm having trouble locating my temperature sensor on a 2003 every video I try to look at gives me Impala Tahoe that's not what I need

[@Turbo231]

That's a work around, not a solution.

[@andrewrpieper]

Great video! One issue I can't get my shift knob to disconnect

[@Turbo231]

@XkilludeadX Awesome! Glad it helped. :)

[@norawhite5464]

I feel overwhelmed by gratitude. please help me feel worthy of your schooling here (which saved me from going broke. for reals) by telling me why you take all this time to give us help for free. are you really altruistic? I don't believe in that. please tell me that this helps you in some way. I feel embarrassed yet must share this with you.

[@Turbo231]

@Melissa030412 You're welcome. :)

[@slowride55]

@Turbo231 ok

[@Turbo231]

@Invisiblepanda Central Alberta.

[@Turbo231]

Perhaps, dig up some wiring schematics and get digging.

[@randomrazr]

u mustsave alot pf $ fixing ur own cars lol

[@niyahd5366]

The solenoid piece on my car does not move at all, but the wires aren’t cracked or broken what else could it be? I’m only able to shift out of park after i let my car run for about 15mins

[@Turbo231]

You have a break in the ignition cable somewhere.

[@niyahd5366]

Turbo231 why would i have to wait a while before it shifts out of park?

[@Turbo231]

Guessing it has to do with something being or getting warm. Like a heater vent near a wire. Lots more GP videos coming as I bring my 2002 back from the dead.