How to Diagnose and Fix Shifter Issues

In this video I am going to show you how you can fix shifting problems on your car. Whether you can't get your shifter lever out of park, or your shifter indicator is not matching the position of your shift lever, I am going to show you how the system operates so you can diagnose all said issues.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchets and Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchets and Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchets and Wrenches.

[@aut0psy87]

Bro, people like you are the unsung heroes of society. Thanks a lot, man 👍

[@konnersehn9287]

I don’t know if your still making videos but this video helped me out beyond belief thank you

[@HeAhaBro]

You have the best videos for someone wanting to learn - no waffling, precise, clear, logical, and informative which makes them easy to follow and to understand . My car, my wallet and I thank you!!

[@robertfernandez8852]

Over the last few days I have found it impossible to move my automatic gear shift lever into Park. Before I go to the garage I wanted to identify the likely problem. Your video explains in simple terms what has gone wrong and what needs doing. Thank you.

[@sourdruid1]

Was it the shifting assembly?

[@michellempierce]

thank you! I've been having shifter cable issues. I needed this

[@MariaRodriguez-bp1tl]

Thank god I found your video, I was mini panicking when I cleaned my 1995 Toyota Camry transmission range sensor using another video, and after assembling everything, my stick shift wasn't shifting properly, it would indicate the wrong gear. i watched your video about checking the tightness of the nuts on the sensor, went to check mine, prayed that I just needed to tighten it more and boom! That was it. Fixed the shifting in the stick shift perfectly and I'm super happy it was a simple fix

[@sarahuniverse1028]

I absolutely love that you explain how these components work!!! It helps immensely with troubleshooting and just having an overall comprehension of how it all works. Thank you for sharing and putting this online! 😊

[@swittw6158]

Excellent video and explanation. The best I have seen on this topic. I found the wire harness was not fully clipped in and locked. You helped me resolve my daughters car issue. Thank you very much.

[@SOLIZ49erFAITHFUL]

Interesting yet pretty simple. A step missed was that you had the car in NEUTRAL but still went forward, the stepped missed was after fixing the loose nut you should have also checked to make sure the vehicle didn't move forward as before in NEUTRAL. I still enjoyed this & I hope that you keep supplying us with great info.

[@sarahnordloh9438]

He did check that it moved in the correct direction

[@barbmiracle]

Subscribed. Nice video work, clear explanations. Brought this up hoping it was for a manual but watched all the way through anyway as the pacing and info were on point. Now I'm curious about a car for sale that will only drive in reverse... Wonder if these things might be why

[@eviemint1859]

Wow so detailed. Best auto repair video I've seen!

[@valeriebaca6566]

Thank you for the help. Very thorough. Liked the diagrams!

[@patrickmcdaniel8123]

New battery, engine runs, but stick shift wont come out of park? Why?

[@ItsKaiRod1]

Shift interlock

[@ProcrafterPvP]

My transmission leaked hella fluid from a return like that slipped out while driving down the highway and locked up got it replaced and had that problem checked out the return line like you said and that was the problem the whole time thanks!!

[@alannobakht8503]

Awesome tips-- however, I have with my 2014 Hyundai Tucson shifter not moving out of Park- P without OBDII Error.. But my Brake light was OK so I went to 3-different mechanics, one said it the brake switch that provides power to the Park-shift Solenoid, the second put scanner on the car and said the BCM is not working properly and the third said it is the Shifter-Solenoid is BAD. Also the Solenoid MUST click to TURN a Plastic assembly to let the shifter to come out of the "P" anytime you press the brake to go to Drive or Reverse.

[@macy-a-7151]

thank you this might help my dad

[@WillieCleo]

Awesome information! Thank you. I couldn't get my lever to move, followed your advise and it worked. People were telling me to trash my car, can you imagine? Now I have to figure out how to get my motor oil to circulate throughout since the wrong oil was put in it twice and finally the proper oil was put in it. It shrubs and has trouble pulling. Any suggestions???

[@garyslaby1853]

Great video, very clear and I also like the use of the white board.

[@SuperMIKevin]

I really enjoyed this video 😊 Who knew something being loose could cause so many problems?

[@EARTHKEENING]

Can stuck on neutral prevent car from starting ? 2012 hyundai elantra .

[@jayberavance1255]

I'm happy to watch your video everytime,it helps me a lot & learn about basic troubleshooting,keep it Boss.

[@PeterBissonnette]

This is a fantastic video. The explanation is clear and there's no unnecessary monologuing, aside from the dog joke, which was well-timed and actually funny! Congratulations on making a great video! Subscribing!

[@vikaghostwave]

Ford mustang just had a trans rebuild everything clicks in to place except when I go from drive to reverse its a little off. I can feel it but it will pass the R a bit then I have to pull it down to make sure its clicked in . This only happens when I do from drive to reverse not park to reverse or any of the others what could it Be ? Is it the shifter ? Please answer if possible thanks :)

[@peterswanepoel2807]

Again an excellent video Good info You Speak loud and clear and to the point YOUR the greatest Thanks a ton

[@vapingnewfie6562]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you very much. Subbed

[@MikeJSchindler]

Awesome info and well explained - just what I needed. Thank you!

[@lynnehardman7057]

Your white board really explained things that I can understand as a women it made sense thank you for keeping us in mind great way to communicate about the cable system thank you

[@wyattoneable]

Your white board of knowledge is always appreciated. Your a pretty good artist too! great tips and editing.

[@myRatchets]

I am glad you liked the video, however I am a lousy artist unless I have a ruler.

[@yohanpyro]

got a 2016 elantra. brake switch is good but shift interlock wont release to allow me to shift. also had the same exact issue with a 2010 elantra. any testing help or advice would be greatly appreciated thanks

[@SL-pg4dh]

Hi, did you ever get it fixed? I'm having the same problem with my 2009 Hyundai sonata

[@boatengdarkwa8072]

Pls do you a video on how to replace the shift selector cable for Hyundai Elantra 2013?

[@clintmurray9815]

On my 2021 Lexus GX I had a problem with the shifter blocked from shifting into park. I had already turned off the engine, but I could not turn off the accessory mode. I tried pushing the lockout button, but that didn't work. I disconnected the battery for a few minutes, but as soon as I reconnected the battery the accessory mode lit up again. I disconnected the battery again, and returned after an hour. That worked and now could shift into park. After a day it is still working okay. I had been in the habit of turning off the engine, then shifting into park, and then turning off accessory mode. From now on I will shift into park before I shut down the engine.

[@mairegency3975]

Hi! I just want to ask if its normal to hear a clicking/clunking sound when you press the shift button to change from Park to Reverse/Drive. The shift button only makes sounds when its on park and its a little bit loud.. Thanks!

[@GodofKings-Raj]

Your videos are always informative

[@duduki5]

Hello, corolla 2013 S - why sometimes it hard to pull gear stick from "P" to "R" and sometimes perfectly ?! maybe there is some kind combination before stoping the car in parking ?!

[@chungaleta1234]

I always learn something from your vids. thanks for sharing your vast knowledge.

[@DefectoPerfect0]

Does the car need to be started for the cable to move? I'm shifting the gears(no start) and the cable is not moving.

[@prodbygustavo]

Great video! Simple and to the point. Thank you.

[@wimadehi8116]

Your are good teacher ❤

[@irondisciple2984]

I have a question. My cars shifter seems to have messed up. But i had days prior to it failing now that it seemed to struggle to put it on park. Like when you shift it from drive to park, right before it reaches its position it already gets set on park when it worked fine but then it would put itself on park just when the shifter reached the limit it moves to when its on park. Now my shifter stopped working and i cant set it on park to turn off or turn on it can't turn on since its not on park. Im curious if the shifter cable got loose. Ill have to check.

[@samuelgarza9812]

I have a Chevy traverse lt 2018 when I move the shifter all the way down it won’t go to low BUT if I put it if drive let it click then it will let me go all the way to low gear is that normal? Runs fine

[@RonnieAlmore-qd9tq]

Man that's good car info

[@shaylacheever9008]

You are a lifesaver!!!!thank you!!!!!

[@VexingFob]

Wow. This a great tutorial. Is replacing a neutral safety switch expensive to fix?

[@Rocketyt]

I usually just gather the info I need and move on. But.....You were really good at explaining everything to the point I'm waiting for the sun to come up and check out my Escalade that's just starring at me from my driveway. Good thing it didn't take a dump up in the mountains yesterday and waited til I got home to crap out. Thanks ....Rocket

[@user-ot5ct4gk9f]

How much does it cost including labor chan=rges to adjust this shift gear?

[@alyl2064]

So, my car won't let me switch into* park or reverse sometimes. My break lights still work but I have been unable to find a video for the specific issue. All will be fine and then I'll get home and go to put it in park, but it won't shift past neutral (won't go up to reverse or park) unless I manually override. My fuses aren't blown, although one looks a little bit less fresh than the others on the prongs

[@joywatkins9092]

My 2015Hyundai Elantra won’t shut off in park. If I put it in neutral or Reverse it goes off. Is that a sensor or ecm problem?

[@Leto4900]

thanks for that great explanation. it was helpful 👍👍👍

[@ogburich43]

Can this work on a 2013 Chevy Tahoe? Mine is stuck in reverse.

[@pedrohanandez2668]

I have a 2012 Murano it shifts fine but I have to wiggle it a little bit to have go into a specific gear what could be the problem?

[@conquistadortl9892]

awesome work 👏 helped me out thanks

[@GiftAjie]

my sienna 2004 will drive but not revising I want to know if is an electrical or mechanical issue please?

[@hngrypanda5973]

Good video compadre. Saludos desde Chicago

[@lunnic88]

Thank you so much, bro...helped me a lot...

[@tmiranda3984]

My Mazda 2014 will allow me to shift to drive. But a moment later the light turns off and it won’t drive… I keep moving it back to park and back down to drive until the light indicator on the shifter turns on and then eventually it stays on and I’m able to drive. This is worse in the morning , especially when it’s cold. It occurs daily.

[@martinlim6204]

THanks for the great video. I am troubleshooting a Chev Captiva, it just able to move for not more than 30s when put to D. Thereafter, the D and R not effecting any movement of the car. No DTC registered. Could this be something to do with the shifter or cable? Bgrds Martin

[@Dyverze25]

Awesome vid 🎉cheers

[@nunochoosesfreedom]

I have a question... what will happen if you leave the cable like it was? Any safe mode (limp mode) is triggered?

[@newls1]

love the dog

[@myRatchets]

Thank you,

[@12012channel]

Hello, I have a shifter that is stuck in park. I may have found the reason why. When I push the shift lever button to start the mechanism to push the rod down( the one with the triangular piece on top) into the middle of the bigger cylinder. It does not go into the middle but instead gets stuck on the edge. How do I fix that?

[@big_R_]

Sometimes my shifter light doesn't come on but other times it does, could this be a sign of bad wiring or the bulb going out? (2010 escape 112k miles)

[@pywindmillz]

Ray Klotz no, it's not properly seated. push forward on ur shifter and the light should click on

[@big_R_]

Ok thanks, I'll give it a try

[@PetitCorpsSalade]

Could you do the same about manual cars? I'm interested especially in why a shifter would shake a lot at all times but even more so when cold (worst is at start up). Thanks a lot for all your videos mate! They're all very well explained :)

[@myRatchets]

I just bought a project with a manual, said project will have a lot of video's done on it. stay tuned :)

[@markdavis8224]

I need the information for manual transmission for a 95 Mitsubishi mighty max

[@ds2985]

Hi mate my car will shit into drive but not move just revs. But it moves in reverse no problem. Any idea what the problem could be?

[@TAS1965]

My son’s 01 Hyundai Sonata is stuck in park, won’t move at all. It’s been sitting for awhile so do you think the linkage is just rusted?

[@adidaelm2001]

Would this apply to a 2008 Hyundai elantra as well? As far as where to adjust shifting cable

[@randystein1228]

My 2012 elantras problem I'm having is that ,after the car is warmed up and driving like 15- 20 miles , I lose the shift indicator on the dash cluster and the shifter gets stuck in neutral or at park , I have to release it from the shift lock with a small screw driver , then I can drive , if I shut the car off and restart it the cluster lights up I can then shift to drive but then it gets stuck again and I have to start the process over. Once the car is parked over night or for long hours , I can drive with no problem until this acts uo again. What can cause this problem? TIA

[@devonmisner8917]

Shifter assembly is going out could that cause your transmission to go into limp mode it has trouble getting all the way down into drive and sometimes does the neutral and drive we're can't tell which one it's in so I think it is my shifter assembly what would that cause a transmission to go into limp mode

[@tracymetcalfe9565]

Whats it mean when the gear shifter moves freely when car is off?

[@patrickconnolly9335]

I have a el80e i have a internal mode switch invalid range code but dont know what cauld be causing it or where to start but i changed internal mode switch what else cauld be at fault

[@RICREYNOLDSMUSIC]

Can you direct me on shifter does not move on 2001 lexas rx300? Brake lights work but VSC alarm comes on when the shift will not move out of park unless releasing safety switch.

[@frankgriffin6977]

Great Video. Very informative, thank you for sharing.

[@jafar633]

Very useful! Thanks

[@whatjoshydoestv6741]

Thanks for the video. Question: on a cold start, when I put it in drive, the car won’t move. Theres a long delay until it moves on it’s own when the brake is released. Or I have to press the gas a little bit to get it to move. Any idea why it does that? Only happens on cold start. 2000 VW beetle 1.8T

[@JM-qt5mg]

Dude I have the same exact problem with my Altima. Exactly the same. Did u find anything out??

[@warrdatt8312]

Hello, I installed an engine and transmission together in my 2003 Honda Accord 4 cylinder, now I can’t get the car out of park. I must’ve did something wrong with the shifter cable when connecting it to the transmission and the gear shifter. Do you know how can I adjust the cable on my car? I put the key in slot to release from Park but the shifter still does not move. The car starts and the indicator on the cluster light shows it in park. can you share your insight please Thank You

[@jgjg3848]

My button doesn't do anything. I can shift between gears without pressing the button. I just had a new transmission shifter cable installed and now my shifter gear button doesn't engage. I can put the car in all gears without pressing the button now. This makes me nervous because it isn't actually "locking" in any position now. Any suggestions?

[@brandy_lish]

hey i have a 98 elantra an when im in drive an an driving it starts making a noise,kinda sounds like when your trying to drive but its in neutral,and i have to move the shifter around to stop or take my foot off the gas,i no its my trans but does that mean its done or could it be something else? an my check engine popped on to

[@usaaib]

Your video is a great resource to understand the shifter getting stuck. I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra where the shifter gets stuck 1) when trying to get out of Parking, or 2) moving from Neutral to Reverse. In both instances pressing the release works. I've verified that the break lights are working when pressing the break pedal. This is happening at very random times. Do you have a suggestion to what else to look at? Super appreciate your feedback. Thanks in advance!

[@SL-pg4dh]

Did you get it fixed? Im having the same problem now

[@usaaib]

@@SL-pg4dh yes, got the shift box and replaced it. Took me about 40 min. No issue since.

[@kristoffmclean6695]

Thank you really helped alot

[@ed2335]

Crossed trailer wires, and now santa fe shifter wont shift. Have to press shift inhibit button. Can you suggest anything? I feel like its a fuse?

[@marycooley9561]

Have a 2004 Hyundai Santa fe 3.5. Changes out of gears on it's own. Goes from drive to sport mode on it's own. Any ideas?

[@suregains_tip8722]

Is the automatic shift gear repairable?

[@charleshoward9983]

Good video Thanks for the info.

[@myRatchets]

np, glad you liked the video.

[@austenlejeune2599]

Yo I changed my cv axles on my 2006 acura mdx. I went to test drive and it did not roll in idle reverse. Now it didnt wanna go back into park without grinding something. What's my issue ?

[@mahloanemontsi3765]

My reverse gear jumps a little when i engage it what could be the problem

[@CKT1138]

My car goes into Park but the light for Park on my dash won't always light up and until it does (usually achieved by pulling back or wiggling the shifter) I can't remove my key

[@solzok7962]

Thanks goat

[@nayabnoba5482]

Hi if you don't mind can you help me i have santa fe 2008 with 2.7 engine gear leaver stuck on reverse means r its don't move and i can not start my car

[@NikeSoccerTennis]

what about a nissan altima 2005, the shifter got stuck on parking and all the lights on the roof dont work anymore

[@fordexplorer4758]

Should a shifter be hard to put on drive ??

[@chrisjoshua5463]

Hello, I have a question, my car is able to shift without me putting the keys in the ignition,I have a automatic Honda civic 2002

[@ares9201]

Did every figure out the problem? Having the same issue

[@tracymetcalfe9565]

I'm having same issue too....I need some help

[@forbesy8568]

brilliant

[@paulofernandesjr]

One more subscriber! Great video, thank you.

[@oscarp1800]

Great video bro! Gracias!!!

[@GodofKings-Raj]

I need your assistance regarding hyundai i20 automatic..can you?

[@deanakeith818]

My car all the sudden started making a clicking clicking sound in the gear shifter while still in park only when I press the brakes any answers to this .

[@heartmonger751]

I asked you before you didnt answer me. I ve mitsubishi mirage automatic. It keep showing brake light on but when u put it on reverse gear it go off but on N D or L it keep on. Help please. I have checked every other sensors they are totally fine

[@mcfriedchicken1972]

What if you can shift out of Park without pressing the brakes? Even with the car off

[@tracymetcalfe9565]

I'm having this issue

[@treyvonb371]

Hello I have a 2014 Hyundai Accent and the gear is stuck in neutral no matter if I put it in drive or park it will stay in neutral can you please help

[@AllPraiseToYah]

You're the man!