How to move shifter stuck in park Impala GM Chevrolet 2006-2013 (EP 131) Park override

A good trick to know that could save you cash and time! Chapters listed below...
Posted July 27th, 2020
🎦 SKIPPABALE CHAPTERS BELOW 🎦
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0:00 Unclemarks intro about this shift interlock solenoid. 🎦
0:34 Repair works with what vehicle?
1:09 How do you access the shifter on a Chevy Impala 2006-2013?
3:02 What is a good LED light to use? Note it is in the shot left of shifter.
5:16 Concluding remarks.
6:56 Little dog shows you how to ring the bell.
7:17 Bonus outtakes.
⚠️-Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of unclemark, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Unclemark assumes no liability for property damage or injury occurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use of this information is at your own risk. Unclemark recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools, lifting tools, jacks and or jack stands, chemicals and or lubricants or anything else seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of unclemark, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or lost that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not of unclemark.
🛒 -Links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are a endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product.
🔧-You should consult a qualified mechanic for your repairs. Statements made in this video are not intended as mechanical advice.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

🔽 Check out my other Impala video in this series: 🔽 kzbin.info/aero/PLgeVnQRQkbzDyWM_s11gnM4UDsic4kN6e

[@robdieseldiesel8960]

Thank you was just stuck at gas station freaking out i went to KZbin and their you where thanks alot!!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Glad you were able to not be stuck for long robdiesel. I have a playlist of this car on my channel. (Other videos might also come in handy) Take care and get this issue fixed as soon as you can!

[@danasmith4044]

This just happened to us at a gas station too. It was awful! Thank God for KZbin ❤

[@barryengelhardt2429]

Bro your video save the day I was out with a beautiful lady today and my shifter stuck I watch your video I found a button and away we went thanks man

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

So glad you got out of a jamb. Hope you impressed your lady with being able to solve the problem! Thanks for your comment, Barry.

[@davidquinn6161]

Thanks for the great tip. I have a 2011 Impala and that tip could very well save me from a tow job in the future.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thanks David! Thought it was a very good thing to know in case of an emergency.

[@jonathanavila9699]

I have a 2011 I think the mechanism on ours is a bit different. Mine has a white thing that goes back and forth that stop it from shifting

[@rickybalmain8854]

@@jonathanavila9699 did you ever figure anything out..because I have 2011 and it doesn't have that butron

[@werterther]

This is exactly what I needed and was able to get the car into gear and drive it to the shop to get the part replaced. Thanks for the informative and helpful video!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Glad I could help! This is a common problem with all new vehicles as they age.

[@hanjxo2746]

do you know what part had to be replaced?

[@angelsantos2135]

Man this video help a lot At least I'm making it to work Today it to work today a little late but I'm go to work and will take care of the issue tomorrow thank you

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Glad this helped. Not sure how hard it will be to replace though.

[@Anthony-nx4gp]

Thank you for your video. This help correct a problem that I thought I would have to get a mechanic to fix.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Glad it was of help to you Anthony. It is good to know which videos have been helpful. This one has saved a few people from being stranded.

[@triggerMB]

Thanks for video! I was stuck-your video got me home!!!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Your welcome. Hope you found the video fast as I can only imagine what you might have been going through stuck somewhere. All the best!

[@justsumgurl5718]

Thanks! Used my knife to pop the cover off and found a long piece of metal to reach down and press the button. Took less than 5 minutes and worked perfectly to get me home. Thanks again!!!

[@justsumgurl5718]

Just wanted to add if you leave it in neutral you won't have to push the button again. Should be obvious but make sure you're parked on the level and so on if you leave it in neutral.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

So good to hear! Hope you can figure out what is the problem! Keep us informed.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@justsumgurl5718 Except you can't remove the ignition key in neutral! So someone could try to steal it!

[@KevIn-mz5yy]

Saved my ass BIG TIME! TY! Got stuck at a gas station with no inspection or registration XD cop pulls in I was freaking XD got out just before he left the store lol

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Close call!

[@donstone4349]

Thanks from the towman,loved it,you got right to it!!!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Nice to hear from you, Don.

[@hayleybenack3355]

This also helps if your car won’t start from a bad neutral safety switch! Just move the shifter from park to 1st gear and back to park while you’re holding in the button with the screwdriver. Had to start my car like this for a couple weeks now

[@adamlewis5765]

Good to know! I've never liked the newer GM products but some look quite elegant.

[@adamlewis5765]

Looks a bit cramped inside though, is that just because of the camera perspective?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I will drive whatever I get a great deal on! I really like the way the Buick Enclave looks and drives. A friend owns one. I think they have some crazy timing chain assembly that might be an issue. Some of their trucks have 1 timing chain on front of engine, and one on the back!

[@maathew361]

Thank you ! Was stuck at the gym till I saw this

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

So glad this video helped. Saved you a tow, now you just have to get this issue repaired! Thanks for watching, Maathew!

[@barrynirmal]

good video. On second try it made sense.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Thanks Barry. It is kinda hard to show. Hope it can help someone get out of a jam until they can get it fixed properly.

[@mz.brinat...2168]

Thank you! Worked for me today....Chevy Impala....💯👍

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Your next step, Mz.BrinaT, will be to find out exactly what the problem is. Take care and stay safe.

[@mz.brinat...2168]

@@unclemarksdiyauto Thank you! My mechanic will look st it Tomorrow. Just happened for the first time today, in 20° Weather in Cleveland, Ohio....Thank you so much! Really appreciate your help! Never depended on a man...but....You're a life saver....❤💯👍 Take care & be safe as well.... I will forever follow you/ subscribe to your channel/videos....

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@mz.brinat...2168 You are too kind! I have a few videos on this car, but I since have sold it. I am working on a similar one that is a few years older. You never know what video will be of help.

[@mz.brinat...2168]

@@unclemarksdiyauto Thank you! You're a life saver ... I will forever follow you & will recommend you you to my friends and family!

[@queenstownkid]

thats a great tip

[@christinaromero7542]

Thank you so much

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

You are welcome, Christina. I can't believe all the folks that have had this issue and posted a thank you! (I was not sure if I should make & post this video originally) Don't forget to get tis fixed. Check to see if your brake lights are working. Could be as simple as a brake light switch.

[@willieball7727]

Dude, you're the greatest. Thought I had serious issues. My dumb ass forgot to depress the brakes. Lol

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Hey Willie, don't be so hard on yourself. We all get in a hurry & it happens! So glad you didn't have a mechanical issue. Take care buddy!

[@JavierTorres-eg5xj]

Thank you 🙏 so much your a life saver 💯

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

You can't even imagine how many people have let me know that this happened to them! At least if you can get home without being stranded, it saves a tow bill until you can have it fixed. Thanks for stopping by, Javier.

[@jen-hustle]

You saved us! Thanks so much!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Glad this video helped, Jennifer. Of course you will still need to get this repaired. Stay safe!

[@jen-hustle]

@@unclemarksdiyauto yes I know. But my son was stuck at his vocational school today and this video got us home.

[@jen-hustle]

@@unclemarksdiyauto do you know what part exactly that needs replaced/repaired?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@jen-hustle Glad it got you home! Usually folks are stuck calling a tow and having to fix it right away. At least this trick will give you time to get some cash together and not be without the car for long.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@jen-hustle Not exactly sure par number or name. I am thinking this is more a mechanic shop repair. I have since sold the car so I can't do a update as to how to repair this issue. So sorry Jennifer.

[@jonteshiaellington50]

THANK YOU !!!!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Your welcome Jon. Many have commented how this has saved them a tow home or to the shop. Of course you will have to fix the problem, but at least your not completely stuck!

[@Mr.Frost181]

Thanks for showing me this for when I go to the junkyard I just want the center console

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Sounds good Mr. Frost. Not sure how console comes out, but should be doable!

[@Mr.Frost181]

@@unclemarksdiyauto yeah I wanna put this in my gbody monte Carlo SS

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@Mr.Frost181 Cool! You should do a video on it for others that would like to have the same in their car!

[@Mr.Frost181]

@@unclemarksdiyauto I'm definitely going to do that but I've actually seen others with that same console in there car that's kinda why I wanna do it lol looks cool to

[@Mr.Frost181]

@@unclemarksdiyauto I hate my console that's also why I wanna change it

[@greenmachine5487]

I uaed to have an 08 that had this problem. To get me home i reached down on the passenger side, flexed the console out and stuck my finger up there to press the button. Got me home.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

It sure is a good thing to know! Can get you out of a jam!

[@allfordcars]

so far I haven't hung any part. Check for broken wires, solder in extra lengths of wire. Solder don't splice em. Last wire was a green with stripe. You will also find same failure under hood, wires to the throttle body, (goes into limp mode)from radiator support to throttle body. my Impala has 249,000 mi.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Yep. Check all the bases before changing parts, allfordcars.

[@jasonbourne1596]

And I been running around with the center consol off lol Also I am contemplating just gluing that override shut.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

It is a safety feature and even though a pain to have to trip each time to put it into gear, I would just buy the part and change it. Better safe and legal, then something happen and hurt someone. Console off for now is a great idea though.

[@jasonbourne1596]

@@unclemarksdiyauto Its legal and safe either way, you just need to make sure you put it in park.

[@jasonbourne1596]

I would also argue it's safer, since you brought safety up. If your call stalls for example in a busy intersection you may crank ot on any gear, instead of putting it in park first, which takes time and could get you ran over.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@jasonbourne1596 That is how they did it in the old days!

[@D-T.O.Q.]

Can u do this while the battery is in? Or do you have to remove the battery first?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Battery can still be hooked up. Just remember the car may roll one you are out of park.

[@tbsmith-ht6ej]

Do you have a video that shows how to bypass the park/neutral safety switch which is inside the transmission vs. being external WHERE it should be.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I do not. That switch should be a easy unplug, unbolt and bolt the new one in and plug connector back in. Does it start in neutral? Or can you giggle shifter in neutral to start it. That should give you a couple starts before you change switch. (But not many starts)

[@tbsmith-ht6ej]

@@unclemarksdiyauto it looks like it would be more trouble than it is worth. from what iv'e seen on drawings the switch is inside the trans. under a cover that may or may not come off easily. also bunch of things in the way. will find out soon as my impala is at a shop. Have been able to start car over the last 6 weeks usually with no problems as long as i was on a fairly level surface. then i made the mistake at work parking on a 'very' slight incline which put pressure back on the shifter pawl. car would not start even after rolling it back to a level surface. my attempt to bypass switch backfired, shifter will not go out of park even after getting wires back in place. just went to the repair shop after watching your video and guess what? my impala LT 2008 DOES NOT have that release button. Just my usual luck i guess. thanks for the instruction anyway!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@tbsmith-ht6ej Once it is fixed, and a few months have pasted, cost price you paid for the repair will be forgotten and you can just enjoy using the car again without problems. All the best!

[@jonny8443]

Does this work differently for a 2014 Impala?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Honestly I have not peeked into the 2014 shifter. It will be a similar design though. Let us know what you find.

[@999enlightened]

I love you

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Hope video helped you out of a big tow bill! (Still will need to fix problem later)

[@shawavsqk]

Hi. This is my first time watching your video. I found it to be very informative. I have a question to throw your way. I have a 2007 impala. Engine light came on. Shifter indicator stop working as well as the speedometer and odometer. Also, it seems like she doesn’t know when to shift. I have to drive her like a semi automatic. Start of with shift selector in 1, then to 2 and so on. My code says U0101 which is the TCM. I replaced it with new. Then after assembly, I started the car but the gear selector switch wouldn’t depress to allow me to take her out of park. I panicked. Thought she was stuck in my garage lol. I replaced new TCM with the old one. Gear selector works fine but all original problems are still there. My question: do I have to get the new TCM programmed or should it be plug and play?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I am not sure. As to the code, it could be a connection to the TCM or a wire issue going to the TCM as well. It is possible the TCM is fine. Does that make sense?

[@shawavsqk]

@@unclemarksdiyauto well, I don’t think it’s a wire issue because when I put the old one back in the button worked fine and I could get her into gear. I guess I’ll have to dig a little deeper. I will keep you posted so you can pass the infoe along if someone needs it

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@shawavsqk Thanks Sandy!

[@icecreamenjoyer]

i have an 08 and don’t seem to see that button youre pushing. mine is stuck in reverse btw

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I wonder if the cable from the shifter to the trans has moved so adjustment is wrong. Is the trans in park when the shifter says reverse?

[@MoneyMan-sl1ho]

So what did you get fix ?exailty

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Didn't fix anything yet, just a hack to get you going so your not stuck. As cars get older, (& it is not only chevys, & they all built similar) you can get yourself home at least, until you can either replace this solenoid, or have a shop do it for you.

[@moisesjasso7209]

I have almost the same thing problem but the only thing is that my shift removes all the way back and forth but it's still in park

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

So you can't get it out of gear? If so, it might be the cable that has detached either from the transmission, or the shifter.

[@jujuwilliams2024]

Wats the piece called

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Shift interlock solenoid? This part could be fine though! It could be the wires to it. It could be the switch under the dash that controls it. Do some tests first.

[@rjbythelake9786]

I can't get my car to turn over once i press the button what am I doing wrong.i have this problem

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Car will NOT start in any gears except either park or neutral. Make sure your holding your foot on the brake pedal too so you don't roll! (start it first, then press the button to move it into gear)

[@rjbythelake9786]

@unclemarksdiyauto oooo..ok let me go try again and what is the name if the part that way I can go to autozone to buy the part and have my mechanic put it on. He's suppose to come by today

[@rjbythelake9786]

@unclemarksdiyauto it worked you are a life saver thanks uncle mark

[@user-we6fd4wv8p]

How much to fix that

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

I am gonna guess 1.25 hours plus parts.

[@lmmunna03]

Does this work for shift that wont drive but reverse

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Does the shifter go into drive, but the car does not? What letter is indicated when the car goes into reverse? Is it "R" or another letter?

[@lmmunna03]

@@unclemarksdiyauto no when i put it in drive it reverses

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@lmmunna03 I would check under the hood where the shifter cable attaches to the transmission and see if it has come out of alignment.

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

@@lmmunna03 First check at trans. If it looks like nothing can be adjusted there, it’s in the shifter in the console.

[@davidcarter7308]

Why do they lock up?

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

The shifter is unlocked with a electric solenoid. Like anything else, the parts get old from use and time, stops working & needs to be replaced. Nice to here from you David.

[@user-lr9dh1oc3u]

How did I know how you’d pronounce it before I even saw the video

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Not sure what you mean Devon. Pronounce what?

[@bstrongstafocuz4513]

P

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

P?

[@kcgeorge1578]

Where can I buy that wiring harness?