'Shift to Park' The BEST Fix for GMC Acadia, and it's FREE

The actual fix is at the 9min mark.
I first tried several other methods suggested here on KZbin, and found they didn't work. this fix is different, and so far everyone who has done it has reported 100% success.
Alternatively, you have just replace the microswitch by itself, Omron D2HW-BL221H. However, With the success of this repair, I see no need myself.
Things we have tested with this "fix" and they all perform the same as OEM:
Can you start the car in drive? NO
Can you turn off the car in drive while stationary: YES
Can you turn off the car in drive while moving: NO
If you turn of the car while stationary in drive, do you get a correct shift to park message?: YES
Don't forget to like and subscribe!
If your Gm vehicle suffers from the dreaded "shift to park" error, check out this video on how I was able to fix the problem, and the best part is, its free!
The car is a 2017 GMC acadia, should be the same fix for all 2017-2020 acadia as well and the traverse, enclave, malibu, ATC, volt, camaro,
Disclaimer:
The content provided in this video is for entertainment purposes only. The creator, owner, and contributors make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this video for any purpose.
Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. It is recommended to exercise due diligence and consult professional advice before attempting any DIY projects or maintenance tasks depicted in this video.
The creator, owner, and contributors and owner shall not be held liable for any loss, damage or injury, including but not limited to, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information, products, services, or related graphics presented in this video.
By accessing and using this content, you agree to waive any claims against The creator, owner, and contributors for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred as a result of following the instructions provided in this video.
00:00 WHAT THE SHIFT TO PARK!
01:15 Tools needed
01:30 STEP 1 Overview and console side removal
04:20 STEP 2 Console bolts
05:50 STEP 3 shifter removal
06:45 STEP 4 Side console aft
07:03 STEP5 Bezel removal
07:57 THE FIX
09:45 RESULT review

[@tsnstt]

The four negative reviews they left you are the executives from Gm cause now they can’t make money off of us anymore lol

[@curlsncoilsnwaves7324]

My husband just completed this, and it works for us. We have a 2018 acadia. It's ridiculous because we called the local dealership for an estimate, and they wouldn't tell us over the phone. I'm glad my husband found this video. He's not usually into DIY, but this was simple! Thank you for uploading this and GMC should be ashamed of themselves for not fixing this for free for their customers!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Nice, hopefully you get many more trouble free miles. We've had four acadias, we put a lot of miles on all of them, and really had no issues other than this shift to park on the latest one.

[@devinhousey8626]

I have a 2018 mine just started doing it! Hopefully this will work for me!

[@devinhousey8626]

I also have a 2018 Acadia did this yesterday so far working great No shift to park action required. Also we did not take the shifter handle off I just held up the compartment and my guy put in the clip!!

[@michaeljeansonne4309]

@@devinhousey8626 we have an 18 model, been doing this for 3 years. Just did the job by this video, it was straight forward and relatively easy. So far so good.

[@user-sp5xy4qq9g]

I bought my wife a 2019 Acadia Denali 9 months ago and this has been driving me nuts since. Took me less than 30 minutes to complete and all I needed were a few tools and a paper clip. If I had it to blow, I would buy an $800 paper clip from you just to show my love. You sir deserve a special place in heaven next to the first guy to make coffee

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Lol, agree on the coffee! Glad you were able to resolve it so easily!

[@jbulzomi]

2017 Acadia SLT. Dealership installed the "harness" which was their "fix" for this about 2 years ago. It never worked. Dealership charged me $250. I watched the video a year ago and said, "I should try this". Finally, it stayed on shift to park so long it killed my battery. I decided, today is the day. After getting a new battery and installing it I did everything in the video and for the last 24 hours, so far so good. Thanks dude. Easy fix and glad I don’t have to deal with this nonsense anymore.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome job man, glad this video has helped so many people.

[@jbulzomi]

@@ExoticCarDIY I gotta ask, how did you figure out how to do this? Two days going and it has worked flawlessly.

[@MatthewShanas]

Found this video today and performed it on our 2018 Acadia. The "shift to park" error occurred 3 times today. I took it for a test drive afterwards and didn't have a single error! Thank you so much for posting this video! You saved us hundreds in repair costs!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job!, glad the video helped, just thank with a thumbs up

[@bobbyblack2145]

April 2023 This my friend works. Thank you so much for the video. It took myself and my husband a little longer to do this because I think we were a little scared we were going to break something. It is a little tricky but very doable and my car works now. Thanks again.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job, it's always best to take your time with interior parts, it's very easy to break a clip, but it can be avoided if you just slow down a little bit. Hopefully you guys enjoy many more happy miles now with no shift to park errors LOL

[@kerrymeehan1662]

Worked like a charm may 2023 just make sure the paper clip is really in there - you will feel it slide deeper in. Thanks for the great fix + video!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great tip! Thanks

[@chrispfahl9790]

I was his wife X 100. Just purchased my 3 year leased 2019 with under 28,000 miles and the shift to park started to happen. The video made it look so easy, I was hoping to do it myself. I had to recruit the husband when I couldn't get the gear shift and the clips around the console off. We discovered two extra clips, he didn't mention on the top of the console. They were not visible and we didn't discover them until we pried off the top. I am looking forward to being able to drive the car and not have to worry about not being able to turn it off completely. I'm calling to cancel my appointment at the dealer tomorrow. Thanks for the video!

[@annakroening8230]

Thank you so much! Took exactly 30 mins to complete and fixed immediately. The shift to park was annoying me for over 6 months on my 2017 GMC Acadia. Great video with clear instructions.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad it fixed your issue!

[@michaeljeansonne4309]

My wifes is a 2018 followed your instructions by this video and presto! Took my 71 year old self exactly one hour. Had to back up 3 inches from shifter to find the correct harness w/your colors but done and all good.TYVM

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Glad you got it fixed!, we're still batting a thousand here. We love arcadia, 50,000 plus trouble-free miles

[@GloriousDavinci]

I have a 2018 Traverse with this same issue, I followed your instructions and inserted a paper clip. It’s been exactly 1 month with no issues. Thank you kindly sir. This is the longest it’s gone without the error message.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job!

[@TSquadRVing]

Gosh are you kidding me!!! You were so detailed and very calm. I went step by step and it worked! Thank you so much for your time and detailed walking us through this. I will be sharing your channel on mine. Thanks so much!!!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@robvaske8193]

We did this on our late 2017 Acadia and it worked. However, it had two screws (7mm) under the cup holders (under the removable rubber) that need to be removed as well. We soldered the wires after testing. Working so far; glad we found this video! My sister has an early 2017 Acadia so that may need it done in future and we have friends with a 2018 that is having the issue that we plan to fix in the next couple days now. Thanks!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Glad it's working on more models. I still find it silly that we even have to do this lol. GM couldn't get it right in the first try?

[@Kevin-dz2pz]

I have a 2017 Acadia and this video work perfectly for mine, no extra clip or screws. I, however, opted to not remove the shifter because I couldn't. It turns out you can still raise the console enough by inverting the boot. You may have a little less clearance but it is still doable. It was easier than removing the shifter.

[@darrell5703]

This is awesome. I’ve been having this problem for a couple years now but there’s no way I trust myself to do this lol. My easy fix or solution I should say (cause it doesn’t fix the problem), is that I simply put my foot back on the break and act as if I’m putting the car back into gear and back in to park. The car is off of course so don’t restart it, then my easy exit kicks in so I know it worked and I get out. Took a while to figure this out. Before I was probably like many of you. Turning the car back on. Driving back and forth a couple feet lol. Or just playing with the gear shifter indefinitely until something happens 😆😆😆

[@Jerry-gb2mk]

Ours just starting acting up after 72,000 miles on it, performed this fix without removing the shifter and so far all is well. Thanks for the video, helped out a ton.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, great job! Enjoy many more miles

[@sed6]

Worked great on my wife's 2017 Acadia! Being able to enter nav while driving is a bonus. Plus it's an easy way to know you did it right, you don't have to wait for the honks that will never come...

[@hepdog17]

Just did this tonight. Flawless. Can’t thank you enough for this video with all the right details.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@josephkennedy2572]

Wow I had no idea so many other people had this problem. Your video and the comments are awesome. My 2019 GMC Acadia AWD started doing this and I ignored it at first. Then I started having problems with my battery and just had to replace it. I saw your video and was so impressed with the clever fix for this problem. I put the short in place like you showed. When my wife saw the car all in pieces she said well now we will have to buy a new car....🙂 So we will see how well it works. I appreciate you sharing this with such a good video. YOU DA MAN!!!!!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Ours starting doing it with less than 10,000 miles, very annoying for an almost new car. Once I found out that even when the dealer replaced the entire shifter assembly most people reported the issue came back I knew I had to find another fix. So far there's been several hundred people that have done this and no ever side effects have been reported. Actually watch the video again for the first time in over a year, really wish I could re-edit the video,

[@JoseGonzalez-xl7rw]

Have you had any issue ever since or is it good naw

[@justinmesa7667]

2017 Acadia base model 2.5l I just did this repair thanks to your video. 2 weeks ago I replaced the rear evaporator, heater core and actuators due to evaporator leaking. Spent $560 on parts vs $1,950 for the dealer to do the work. Thanks to KZbin videos like this.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Glad the video helped. Working on your own car is rewarding

[@kirrer]

I'm not even 1 minute in and I love this video. I think I'll be even happier when I employ the fix described here, but A+ for production value 🤣

[@kirrer]

I'll be part of the control group. After reading the TSB (ie, take off the shifter knob and force click it 50 times), problem went away for now. When it comes back, I'll jump back on here and comment again. Not sure why the dealer would have a TSB for "50 clicks" in lieu of a permanent solution, but oh well.

[@robertgee6750]

By the way, I forgot to tell you, it was a very awesome video. You did a wonderful job. Thank you for your help. You paved the path for the rest of us. Thank you Sir

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Wow, thank you!

[@danantoniuk4756]

Thanks for your clear, descriptive and detailed instructions. Completed the repair this afternoon on our 2017 Denali without any issues. No more "Shift to Park" issue. Only thing I noticed is that I get a Google popup reminder on the dash screen to subscribe to your KZbin Channel Lol! Thanks!!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks for the kind words, glad it fixed your issue!

[@dannym5047]

Dude, I am now a loyal subscriber. So far, everything is good, just had the wife drive it and put it in park. It took me about an hour, but only because I spent the first half hour looking for the stupid 7mm socket!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha it's usually the 10 mm lol. Glad it worked out. Now hopefully you get to enjoy that wonderful Acadia now. Ours just passed the 40,000 mark, other than the shift apart, we've had no issues.

[@cakeag]

Thank you so much for this video. My wife has a 2018 Chevy Traverse High Country with only 45,000ish miles. It has been in the dealership three times so far for the same reason and they just keep replacing the shifter switch and harness. This time she was able to turn the vehicle off (it was still in reverse and would not engage park) but then we couldn't turn it on and the shifter was jammed in reverse and would not move. We started by taking the drivers front panel off and my wife was able to detach the wire from there. Her Traverse has an additional connection to the wires (the purple, black, and white wire) you showed and it is in the exact same place. I took the boot off the shifter and realized that in her model we don't have to disconnect any wires because you can fish it out of the shifter boot and attach the paper clip to that harness. In other words they connection you took off has another four inches of wire and then the purple, white, and black connection (not sure if that is factory or something the dealership had done) So now if for any reason the paperclip were to come out we can access it directly through the shifter boot. Again brother, thank you so much for this video you saved us countless hours back and forth to the dealership once again. FYI I felt like your wife and the beginning of the video earlier today.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, great job! Thanks for the tips for the traverse, definitely makes it quicker if you can access that harness without having to remove all that stuff. It's kind of sad how much people have spent taking their cars to dealers to have them replace the shifter, sometimes multiple times. And even if it's under warranty, you're still out the time... Which to me is worth more than money. How long does this take most people? Probably 10 minutes to an hour? Either way, much better deal than taking it to the dealer

[@rogerbloom4959]

I completed this in about 45 minutes ten weeks ago and the problem has been solved. No issues and no "shift to park" messages since. I did this without removing the shift knob. I was able to reach the cable and do this fix and reconnect without a problem. Can't thank you enough.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome! Yeah, I've heard that you can get to without taking the shifter knob off, and that's the most frustrating part of the whole job. Glad it worked out for you wish I could edit the video to show that

[@zacharysutton966]

I just did this solution on a 2018 traverse and it solved the issue. However, the disassembly is different on a Traverse, so followed another video for that.. thanks for this!

[@colbywright5846]

Just tried the fix. Hopeful this will be the solution we’ve been looking for for a couple years now. Thx.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I have about a dozen people email me saying its worked 1000% for them. Talked to a few buddies on the forums, we finally found the replacement for the microswitch by itself. Omron D2HW-BL221H. I haven't yet swapped it out since i dont see any need. Thanks man!

[@wgzobel]

Great detail. Took 30 minutes on a 2018 Acadia. Had a little struggle with pulling the shift knob but other than that it went smooth. Thanks for posting it. And my wife totally agrees with the first segment.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Yeah, the shift knob sucks. Quite a few people have posted that they're able to reach in there without having to remove the shift knob

[@mcanoy64]

The first 30 sec of this video was classic!!!! Hear something similar in my house. Great explanation / description of the problem and how to fix it.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@markrichert1652]

My wife's inspection was due and I made the mistake of not taking care of it. She took it to the local dealer. The dealer failed the car because of a "worn bushing" on the rear lower control arms and the "shift to park" issue discussed here. $1500.00!!! She brought it home (thankfully) and told me about it. I found this wonderful video. I skipped a few of the steps by not removing the panels. I just peeled them back enough where I could pop the console up. It was tight but I was able to insert the paper click as described. Took me less than 10 mins and it seems to be working well. Now I just have to wait a couple days for these obscure bushings (which look completely fine) to come in so I can install those. Thanks man!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, glad You were able to do it get at least the shift to park issue fixed. There are good dealers and bad dealers, in my experience there is quite a few that are 'fishing' for work.

[@mimimoon9313]

Thank you! The dealership was quoting 1500-2000 for this fix!

[@normanbauer1119]

Just completed the job in about 45 min alot harder when the car is filthy and with the car seats in the back. Not to mention I am a very large man. Did it without taking the shifter off because I couldn't figure out how to get it off. Works great shift to park message is gone. Thank you so much!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job! Yeah, most people say you don't need to remove the shifter, as long as you can get access to the plug, that's all you need

[@tsnstt]

I had this problem and have a story to tell about dealership and Gmc, but later cause I’m busy right now. Great video! Loved it. Like and subbed! You will save people tons of money, sir!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I was talking with a friend with a similar car with this issue, can you imagine how much money has been spent either by us consumers or warranty companies to fix this issue? It literally affects multiple models. And all comes down to a $2 micro switch. And the irony is the micro stitch isn't even needed lol

[@matthewgonzalez2360]

Great Detailed Video. It worked for me although I had to wiggle in the paper clip a few times and push it in as far as I could for it to finally get it to work. Thanks It was over a year with this problem.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job, now enjoy the car!

[@jpd0278]

Just tried this hopefully this works! I did this on a 2019 GMC Acadia. Thanks for a great video very informative and helpful! I did almost knock myself out pulling the shifter knob off lol.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha, it takes some effort to get that off. Some people have said they are able to get enough room without removing it

[@Jfrisk07]

You are the man! Video was awesome and accurate. Works like a champ so far! As someone else has posted, I was able to get it done without removing the shift knob. 30-40 mins tops.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Yup, wish I could edit the video, much easier without having to remove the shifter

[@rickc4007]

Awesome fix thanks, I've been fighting this for two years. GMC should put you on the payroll!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha, they should. I've received exactly $0 compensation from them, but at least my acadia doesn't have this error any more!

[@user-dr5cc2xd2m]

Thank You!!! This was much better than marriage counselling. I have the same exact car & a wife with the same exact reaction I followed your excellent directions over a month ago & it has worked perfectly

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, so glad to hear all these success stories. Happy driving!

[@creampuff1947]

Thanks - works great - we did it without taking off shifter - 2 people required 🥳

[@kennethburks6653]

Did my wife’s 17 Acadia Denali today didn’t have any paper clips available but had some mechanics wire, I cut a piece and sharpened the ends on my bench grinder and stuck her in then taped it up to secure it then plugged it in and Walah it works like a Champ😊. Thanks so much for this fix Kenny👍

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Perfect! You have those paper clips are getting too expensive these days lol. As long as it can jam between the plastic and metal inside the plug so it doesn't back out, anything's fine

[@PaulA-vc6sn]

It worked like a charm on my wife’s 2018 Acadia, thanks so much ! However I am pissed with GMC not posting free fix ! Also had issue with vapor purge control valve, car stalls after filling it up. Another ridiculous problem ! Common problem, easy simple quick fix, about 30.00 for the part. Dangerous because car can stall minutes after filling it up, and die as you accelerate into traffic and cause you to be rear ended. GMC SHOULD BE FIXING THIS PROBLEM AS WELL !

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Glad the fix worked for you, I have not heard of the vapor purge yet... I will look into that. Might be worth doing preemptively.

[@gr8dfender742]

It's definitely a GM thing. We had a 2015 Cadillac SRX developed this problem as well as a 2018 Malibu. Both were fixed under warranty. However now my daughters 2016 Malibu is doing it. Thank you for this video. I will be digging into the 2016 console soon as it is no longer under warranty.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

With so many models all with the same issue over so many years... It's almost like GM doing it on purpose for some reason... Like money lol

[@RickGemme-jh1rw]

I was feeling just like your wife until I tried your fix 2 months ago. I watched other videos that showed how to replace the switch or even the whole shifter box and thought, “but if the part is the problem, won’t the message eventually come back?” Took me about an hour total and haven’t seen that damned message since. Great video - thanks.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, it'll be much more enjoyable now without that error. Happy miles!

[@WormBusa]

Awesome video, called GMC they said $718+tax have to replace the whole shifter. I did it in the driveway in less than 30 minutes taking my time to not break any clips(easy when you know where they are because the video shows you that helped so much!) and it hasn’t had the shift to park message again. $0 My back up sensors work fine also I wanted to report. Can’t tell any difference with the connector shorted than before other than no shift to park message. A++ my dude. Thank you so much!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job! I'm glad this video has helped so many

[@johncribb1160]

Took me a little longer than 30 minutes. Doesn’t matter how long it took to be honest because I saved the $$$. Thanks for this fix, I took it around the block to test it out and sure enough it’s working. I will be back with updates if anything changes.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome! Glad you got it done

[@MegTelevised]

Omg omg omg. I started getting this exact error message. Saw your video and watched it twenty times before attempting. I almost cried in Home Depot looking for a 10mm adapter but the good Lord saw me through. I can’t believe I did that. I’m ready to build my own car now 2019 GMC ARCADIA

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job! My wife has taken over all the maintenance on the acadia. She actually says that she now loves working on... I'm fine with that, more time for working on my cars

[@vinlich]

Thanks for the excellent and detailed video! My wife was about to blow up her Acadia too, so you saved another one. Only issue is a black eye from pulling that damn shifter off.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Lol, ya that part sucks

[@ron12april]

Fantastic. Worked like a charm on our 2019 GMC Acadia.

[@johnreverett1]

Thank you so much for this fix!! Your video was easy to follow and it took my about 30 minutes to do. I made the fix on my 2018 Traverse and it works great. Only problem is that my rear park assist doesn't beep when in use. Not a big deal to me.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great! Happy driving!

[@ericericeric5]

I did this to a 2019 Acadia Denali on 1/24 and it was rather easy to do and almost as the video showed. My wire connector was a tad different than shown and wire colors from the switch were different, but the wire colors at the connector were the same. The 7:21 clip was the hardest clip for me to deal with. I removed gearshift and it was quite a tug but it did come off. Everything went back super simple. Thanks and yes for something of this quality, I did subscribe.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks, I appreciate it. Glad you were able to get the fix done. Happy driving!

[@raycullinan4155]

Thank you for the video. I just did the fix on my 2019 Acadia Denali. Pretty much the same process as the video shown but the trim comes off differently. Also the wire plug had Korea on in as another comment said below (thank you for that). It is still the two outside wires and since the fix we've had not problems. Good luck everyone.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great! Thanks for the update on the 2019 change

[@justinsallenbach8021]

This is huge I’m about to try a 2019 Denali myself and that’s a solid detail

[@ExoticCarDIY]

@@justinsallenbach8021 report back when you're done!. So far in reference to the comments, 100% success. Just a note, most people say you don't have to remove the shifter handle / knob which is probably the most frustrating part

[@justinsallenbach982]

@@ExoticCarDIY Will do .. I didn't get to it this weekend but luckily I would have missed this detail as well.. I'll get back by the 22nd August and let you know how it went and if I could do it with keeping the shifter on

[@shawnpenick4212]

Fixed, validated immediately once grounded! Thank you

[@ExoticCarDIY]

WhooHoo! Awesome man. Video pretty clear to follow?

[@MrFullcount13]

Dang! I was already nervous about trying a fix from a different video that just stabilized a little rocker pin under the shifter knob, but this! This I can only imagine the trouble I'll get into breaking it down THIS far! I'll have to give my wife some money and tell her to stay gone shopping, cause if she were to see it completely torn down like that, I guarantee even if I did fix the "shift to park" problem, she'd hear some little noise later on and be like, "See! I knew you were gonna break something when you took it apart!" :) Good video though bro! Wish I had your confidence!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Just go slow and cautious, you'll be fine. Convince the wife by telling her home much the dealer would charge... And that you'll buy her something would the money you save!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Did you ever get the courage to try it?

[@stevenlittle8317]

@@ExoticCarDIY 😅 Not yet... it's weird, the car will go a few days to a week without doing it and then all of a sudden start back. I'm just waiting on a day where the whole day is free JUST in case something goes wrong I won't have to rush to try to find a solution. I appreciate you checking though! I'll let you know what the outcome is!

[@jeffjackman5734]

I just did it. I have a record of my projects taking 3 times the money and at least double the time. This was pretty easy. I warched a portion of the video then stopped it and did what he said to do. Then proceed and then stop it again. My hardest part? Getting the screwdriver stabilized to keep the console up while I shoved the paper clip in...of which there is very little room. If you have fat fingers good luck! I am on the lean side and it worked out fine for me. The car even started and ZERO left over bolts and or screws.

[@ronmangum982]

Thanks for the video repaired my 2019 Acadia simply and easily because of your video.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks buddy, glad you got it fixed

[@jeffjackman5734]

2017 Acadia. Our shift to park message is driving my wife crazy. Luckily she is out of state this weekend and I will be doing this fix. Have to admit...drives me a little crazy as well. Slam the shifter in, jiggle it around, turn the car on then off. Yeah...thanks for a great video. One ole boy commented that there was a fire hazard by using the paper clip. Your acadia hasn't spontaneously combusted I take it!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Nope, hasn't burned to the ground. Lol. I will admit, there may be better ways to join two wires together, but you have to remember, I sought out to investigate, understand and fix this, it took multiple failed tries and methods first. I wasn't about to make a permanent solder connection just for a test. Once it worked I was so excited I just made a video. Remember, those two wires are joined together when the button is depressed anyway, So it's not like you're shorting anything out, You're just making the connection manually.

[@rickc4007]

It's all low voltage anyway and fuse protected, wrap the paper clip with electrical tape too and it will be fine.

[@brianelsner4175]

Hands down the best intro to a video 👍

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha, thanks! That was the wife's idea lol. I guess the Acadia error inspired her

[@stevenfezler745]

My wife & I completed the task in under (2) two hours. 3 days ago, I emailed/text chatted with GMC Corp., & largest Dealers in Atlanta, GA, Columbia, SC & Cornelius, NC, asking what GMC’s fix it/solution is? Haven’t heard back yet. They all wanted $150.00 diagnostic test applied to fix!?!? We didn’t have to take off the shifting knob because the wiring harnesses were very tight, anyway. Not sure what else the purple white is linked to? We’ll keep an eye out for any loss do to the paper clip fix!!! THANK 😢YOU Enjoyed the Video! PS- We do have a few extra paper clips if anyone interested!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great job guys, I'm glad you got it fixed without having to pay the dealership. Other than this issue, we've had a trouble-free experience with our Acadia

[@angellomesa8019]

I just did this and it fixed my issue! 2018 Acadia. Thank you!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Sweet!

[@robertwillingham1965]

Had this problem on our 2018 Traverse for nearly 2 years. The wiring harness is way easier to access than on your Acadia. Anyway, I can't believe this actually fixed it!! Think how many cars you have saved from being burned up by Molotov cocktails!!!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha, true! Good to hear it's easier on the traverse to access

[@johnstiltz9966]

I couldn't get the shift knob to come off but I was still able to reach the wire connector and put in the wire bypass. May not work if you have big hands. Fix works great! Thanks.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great, glad you're able to figure it out. Yeah that shift knob is quite a pain in the butt to get off.

[@paulroehl]

Great video! I used these instructions on a 2018 AWD Acadia and the only difference I saw was an intermediate wire harness between the one you showed and the plug. It was still 4 wires, but strangely had a label on it marked "KOREA". I thought that was interesting. I inserted the paper clip, but it occurred to me afterwards to just short the wires together on the intermediate harness. Either way, my shift to park problems were gone immediately.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

That harness is one of GM's "fixes" as part of the TSB, that obviously doesn't work long-term. There are some talk on the forums about what the harness does, I think it was to reduce the voltage to the micro switch which they thought was what was destroying the micro switch. Either way, it obviously doesn't work, just bypassing the micro switch seems to be the most effective way.

[@angelicamendoza592]

Good to knoe they wanna charge me 905$ to fix it

[@mattharvell9494]

Thank you sir, you saved me big $$. Just performed this repair. Works perfect.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Glad I can help! Thanks

[@mastercondor]

Amigo muchas gracias, igual que tu esposa, la mía tambien quería quemar la camioneta, he salvado la acadia 2018, excelente video.... de verdad muchas pero muchas gracias...

[@tandcp7021]

Thanks for the video. I was able to follow the directions, however, I ran into two problems I thought I would share with others (assuming I am not the only one which will run into these). #1 - I was unable to get the side panels off, however, the seat support rail would not let the plastic panel out far enough to remove the back bottom clip with out breaking it off. The only solution I could think of was to unscrew the seat bolts and pick up the front of the seat which allowed the side panel to come out at the base and then it came out easily. NOTE: The bolts that hold the seat rails are star shaped, size T50. #2 - I followed the directions and tried multiple attempts to remove the gear shift but was unsuccessful. I was worried I was going to break something so I decided to try to finish the job with keeping the shifter on. I needed a 2nd set of hands to hold a flashlight but was able to complete the job. Needless to say the job took longer than 30 minutes but it was well worth my time if it solves this issue. Thanks again and hope my comments may help others if you have the same problems.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, thanks for the feed back. Unfortunately I can't edit the video, but I'll check into those side panels. The gear selector sucks, many people have said they've done it without taking it off

[@justinsallenbach8021]

I had more of that problem putting the panels back in and was able to use the lip of a long (but small tipped) flat head to clamp it in on the bottom (that and a little pull just to give it the space to get in)…. I initially ripped one of the tabs off but it went back in place and that’s when I made the adjustment

[@ccowboyearl01]

$ 800. Good one. You really know your mechanics. GM needs you.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha, if anything, they might sue me for breaking into their profits.

[@cmgwhite7730]

Had a same problem with my 2018 traverse I opened apart just like you did and realized that little piece of metal that supposed to make a contact with button installed upside down but it was not. I bent metal part down just to see it's movement going up down nicely made sure button being pressed the way it supposed to that solved the issue but I don't think it's a proper fixed. what you showed makes more sense. I will drive until it comes back and will go though ur vdo. Thx boss

[@Homer19521]

I'm 72 YO & never driven anything but GM. My 2018 Acadia just started to do this. Entire shifter was already replaced once under warranty. Add the thermostat issue, terrible dealer in Ann Arbor this car has been a terrible experience. Thanx for the vid. Loved the wife's part. GM needs to step up their customer satisfaction help on these major issues. The 800 number is a joke. 👍

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Yeah it's frustrating, but luckily there's a fix. If you read through the comments, so far this fix is 100%, nobody is reported any drawbacks either. Arcadia also had the thermostat issue, it sucks that they buried that thing way down in the middle. My wife actually was adamant she wanted to fix it herself, and she did, only minor input from me she was able to replace the thermostat in about 3 hours. Total cost was $110. Around 40 different cars, all different makes. Every single one has its quirks and issues

[@Homer19521]

Does your wife like old fat deaf guys like me? I too have the thermostat/temp switch issue. I just had to have the A/C recharged. I worked for GM for 34 years. I feel GM has abandoned their customers over issues like this. If they would offer some help like they did back in 2008 when I had a heater core issue in my Pontiac, I might feel different. Your wife's a keeper. Thanx again.

[@djscottymaxx]

I just bought a 2018, even though I think the Acadia's are a joke I still like them overall, I know their typical issues now after owning a 2009, unfortunately that one hit 200K miles and it was like a VW, once one thing goes wrong, everything started breaking or going bad. They really need to ditch the 3.6L pos engine and bring back the 3.8L V-6, those engines were bulletproof, and simple. Unlike todays engines they got sensors to tell windshield wipers when rain is on the windshield for crying out loud🙄

[@jeremyschmidt3761]

Thank you for the video! I just finished the fix. I took mine to the dealership while it was still under warranty. They added a jumper harness that feels like it has a capacitor in it. Their fix worked for about 6 months (took me to just outside of warranty). I removed their jumper harness and am using your fix instead.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome, glad to hear. There was some discussion on the formus of what and why the microswitch fails. A lot of people think that there is too much power going through that tiny micro switch that it just essentially burns out the contacts. Some people think that harness just reduces the amount of power going through it. Replacing it with a beefier micro switch would also fix the problem, but no one has found one yet to my knowledge. For now, bypassing it is easier.

[@jeremyschmidt3761]

@@ExoticCarDIY it could also be too little current. Some current is needed to keep the contacts clean.

[@samneale123]

At 46,000 miles, my 2017 GMC Acadia started having the “shift to park” error. I called the dealership to see if they would fix it under warranty, and they said “no”. They gave me a quote of $450 to fix it. I followed the instructions in this great video yesterday and was able to make the repair in about an hour and a half. I had to pick up a set up pry tools, so the fix costed me $9.99 for the pry tools and $0.01 by the paper clip. 😄 I shifted to park several times after the repair and took it for a drive. All appears to be working well! Thanks for this great fix!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped you. I first tried what the other "fix" videos suggested, adjusting the lever, or messing with the button, but none worked, at least long term. After I looked into it more, I found the problem is that microswitch just isn't cut out for the job, you either need to replace it or bypass it. Luckily, I have found zero negative with just bypassing it. Thanks for watching!

[@kentuckyfriedjoe7370]

Omg bro, ours only has 9,000 miles and I thought my wife was gonna implode on shift to park message 25. Thank you for making this!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Haha, glad it helped! Happy wife, happy life LOL

[@kentuckyfriedjoe7370]

@@ExoticCarDIY you're right about that one haha. On her's, there was no getting that shift knob off. And it became obvious that the switch recall had been done, as were some of the bolts already loosened and leaving gaps at the console to dash line on driver's side. Cupholder screws missing but I could see indentation of where they had been. So no one be surprised if the switch recall fails again. Seems to have worked so far. Maybe an extra chardonnay and a pat on the back from me.

[@charlesmedley9611]

Fixed my wife’s 2019 Acadia. Thank you

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome! Glad we're still batting 1000. Glad it's helped so many

[@charlesthomas5259]

Thank you for the video. It was incredibly helpful. I didn’t pull the shift knob either and it made inserting the paper clip a little harder but still doable. I followed all of your other instructions and everything went smoothly. I don’t see any functional differences with the paper clip bypassing the switch. My only thought is that perhaps it’s a redundancy issue. Since the vehicle can still detect when the car is out of park there must be another switch, possibly in the transmission, that also monitors it. Then both switches have to be closed to verify it’s really in park. Okay, I’m way past my knowledge level on cars. Bottom line, I was able to fix the problem for free because of your very helpful video. So thank you again, I really appreciate it.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Awesome! Yeah, sometimes I will perform a few extra steps just so people can properly do the important part. You might even be able to perform this by just taking off one of the side panels only if you have tiny fingers and a bit of patience

[@uploadcentral5756]

Great video. Everything worked great for me, however I had an additional wire harness where it plugged into the micro switch. In this additional wire harness the wire going to the micro switch, had an in-line resistor and diode like GM, or someone already had some thing that they thought was going to be a solution however, it did not work. I ended up using this additional wiring harness to get the micro switch to ground, and it seemed to work great.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

That extra harness was the "gm fix". They charge for it, it obviously doesn't work. I'm guessing they never actually took the time to fully understand the problem. Anyway, great job with the fix! So far my fix is batting a 1000! Happy driving!

[@paulriordan1531]

@ExoticCarDIY I tried this on 2018 Traverse and worked great, thanks. Havent driven it alot, but it seems to have shut off the auto start-stop function? Is this normal?

[@justinsallenbach8021]

@exotic car awesome find and work I just did it ….. took me about two hours but that’s cause I am mechanically challenged lol ……. Even with my lack of abilities my wife is now shift to park free and the GM hopligans who wanna come up here and say nonsense keep it up more people will figure this out …. Let this be a warning about the electrics coming ….. this car only has a complicated fuse switch and look at the trouble … good luck to all

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Congrats on the successful fix! Happy driving 🥂

[@russellh.895]

I was unable to get the gear shift off. I was still able to lift it enough to pull the wire and add the paper clip. Just finished this 20 minutes ago and hopefully everything went smoothly

[@Joelraymond55]

It worked!!!! Thank you

[@Nanaimorx7]

This has been an issue on my wife’s 2018 Acadia for about 3 years. I tried the 50 flick fix which made it a bit better and later took it to the dealer for the jumper. It didn’t do much better, I actually doubted that they did the work. My wife was ready to trade it in because this problem wouldn’t go away. Then I found your fix, easy to follow and I was surprised to find the dealer jumper installed which I removed. Haven’t had a single error in 4 months!

[@Nanaimorx7]

8 months later and not a single shift to park error! This is definitely the way to go, thanks again 😎

[@ebjoaquiniii8154]

Hello my 2019 GMC acadia just started doing the shift to park error. Do you leave the paper clip attached and plug it in? Thank you.

[@sonofsteve566]

need your ebay link....that device to jump wires is genius....great video laugh many times.....needed that. thanks

[@furiousfour]

Awesome...helped out so much. Thanks.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great!

[@jonmurray8845]

Outstanding 👍

[@sarabdubai]

Thank you 🙏🏽 very much, worked perfectly

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great to hear!

[@crsp76691]

I bent the arm on the microswitch and that seemed to fix it! So it engaged more

[@oooompa]

Really wanted to see her pleasantly satisfied at the end of the vid :)

[@fuadbayraml3341]

Great video 👍

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@antonioreyes7126]

😂😂😂the introduction 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Sandman1984]

I have a 2017 SLT AWD and the shifter button on top that you use while in manual mode doesn’t work sometimes. Would that micro switch be causing that?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

No, it's an unrelated system, different micro switch. I believe it's actually inside the top of the shifter, I maybe start by removing the shifter and just testing it with a digital multimeter gauge

[@daviddixon2945]

great video. i get this code like 1 or 2 times a month. so, i will be testing this out soon.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Thanks man, quite a few people reported you don't even have to take the shifter off, you get somebody to hold up the console, you should be able to get enough room to install a jumper.

[@darrell5703]

I’ve a different problem and I was wondering if you or any of the commenters have came across it. My drivers side mirror seems to do what it wants. Shoots all the way up or down. I tried pressing my preset buttons to see if it would go back but no luck. So I have to reset and save mirror setting every morning. Drivers side boy passenger. I did a factory reset but no luck. Turn off easy exit feature and still no luck. It’s the crazy thing. But there’s a GMC forum about it and lots of people complain about it. Just no one has found a solution it seems. So if anyone has any thoughts, comments or is expediting the same thing please let me know thanks!!

[@richscary]

You my friend are a GENIUS! Waited a few weeks before posting a comment just to make sure there were no issues, and there are NONE! I don't know what I will do with all of the free time and sanity since I will now have, since I no longer have to dread turning off my truck just to spend 15 minutes clicking the shifter like a fool.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

You're such a frustrating little problem lol. I'm glad you got it done. Here's too many more happy miles!

[@jeffkolish6446]

Have a 2017 Malbu only has 16000 KM started getting the shift to park error couple of months ago so I don't think the mileage has anything to do with it. Tend to think voltage and weak switch is the real problem. I am going to do this fix as it seems correct the problem permanently.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I think that is the common theory on the forums, they're running too much voltage through a micro switch and it just fries it over time. It's just so weird that it's such a redundant switch anyway, and it has zero effect on anything other than producing an air on the dash. At least that's true in the acadia, if you do it on your car report back after doing the test like I put in the description

[@TrippKILLER]

Thank you for this! My Wife's '18 Traverse had this issue. The only thing I noticed was that the 2wd/Awd/Towing ,etc. light cluster will not turn off now. I noticed that this bypass was triggering this. My concern is that this may drain the battery and am watching it. Not sure what the issue is but everything else seems fine.

[@ExoticCarDIY]

I have not heard about that issue yet. It's it possible something was left unplugged or the jumper went in the wrong area? I personally wouldn't leave it that way

[@TrippKILLER]

@@ExoticCarDIY I'll get back into it this week and see if I did something wrong, it seemed straight forward but you never know. Tx Again!

[@frankenweenie65]

Flawless Victory! Perfect!

[@jennybeatty453]

2019 Acadia, already has added harness from GM “fixing” park to shift issue before. Do I take the harness off and put the paperclip in the old one or add it to the harness?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

If it were my car, I'd remove the extra harness, and paper clip the original

[@alkalk8938]

Nice video! Dam funny way to start the video too, my wife is getting to that point

[@jeffstout916]

I have a2017 acadia. I put mine in park hold the brake pedal down apply the park brake let off the brake pedal wait a few seconds are shut the car off this has worked for over 2 years now

[@m.arispe4131]

Worked perfectly!!!

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Great!

[@ryanhumberger5781]

My 2017 Acadia started this yesterday, 150 miles away from home. It only happened once yesterday. Today it happened at my stop at the store (6 rimes to get it to stop) then when I got home from the store, with no stop in sight. I watched another video where the guy said you can just bend the weak arm of the switch so it will click again. Happened to stumble upon this video and went this way. The bottom line is the entire problem is eliminated. What are the ramification of NOT having that switch? Can you shut the car off while in motion?

[@ExoticCarDIY]

Just bending the arm won't fix the problem. It might temporarily delay the inevitable but the problem is that micro switch is just not adequate for the job and it always fails. Many of us have tested to see what effect having the switch bypassed like my video actually does. No one has found any ill effects. In fact, it acts exactly how it should. Example: If you turn the car off while it's in drive, it will still tell you to shift to park. You still have to push the brake to get out of park etc etc. Everything is just like normal, You just don't get the error lol