Cannot move shift lever from PARK.

[djohn]

It's always something. On a trip last weekend I stopped to unhook the toad. When I returned to the MH and started it, I couldn't move the shift lever at all. I managed to play with the key position to put it in Neutral, where it was able to be started and shift from there. I am continuing to have this problem. Doesn't seem like a transmission problem, is there some lockout switch/sensor that would cause this? I don't think at 42,000 miles I have any warranty left, so am thinking about taking it to either a GM dealer or transmission shop - WH shop is 70+ miles away. Any thoughts???

Thanks!

[kennersonf]

Are you parked on an incline when this happens? When I parked my motorhome for the first time on my driveway, which has a good incline, I almost didn't get it out of park. Now before I put the gear shift in park, I push down very hard on the emergency brake with my left foot and keep the service brake pushed down. I gently put the transmission into park and slowly take my foot off of the service brake. There is a pawl pin that binds if parked on an incline.

[millsrv]

It is most likely the brake light switch. The next time it happens have someone check to see if the brake lights work. If they do not that is the problem. The switch is easy to access. Look under the dash on the right side of the brake pedal lever and try wiggling it. My bet is that the brake lights will start working and the trans. selector will move out of park.
If you look in the owners manual you will find a procedure to release the shift interlock in the event of a problem like this.
The brake light switch is very easy to change and fairly inexpensive.
Good luck.

[ron55]

I have the opposite problem I have to try two or three time to get into park far enough to release the egnition key. I would like to remove the key cylinder and disable the key locking

[FreshAir]

Some additional info from an old iRV2 thread. The Overide procedure may be what Jim just referenced to.

See post # 7 by Horsepowerfan.
Tranny will not come out of park - WH solution

Pat

[tropical36]

Look down on the left side of your steering column whereas you might find a separate lockout switch or connector for the brake pedal. Disconnecting it and shorting it out should close the contacts as if you were pushing down on the brake pedal and release the shift lever.

[wilanddij]

Take a close look at your shifter cable. On the original install, mine was sandwiched between the engine battery and the frame, and after six years of driving it that way, vibration/rubbing on the frame wore the plastic and steel cable coverings and eventually they came apart. When this happened, I could pull the shifter lever on the tranny from Park to first, but couldn't push it the other way. This happened on the road and the only way to get the tranny in park was to set the brakes, turn off the engine, crawl underneath and pull the tranny lever to park.

This may not be your problem, but I'd still check the cable to see how it was installed, and if it is subject to wearing through.

[djohn]

Thanks for all the help! It looks like the brake light switch is the problem and I will be taking it to my local GM garage on Monday for repairs.