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boydj1 · 11-20-2015, 09:07 AM

Does any one know why the shift interlock solenoid on a 1998 Chevy P30 chassis gets hot? This is the solenoid that's below the steering column connected to the ignition switch with a small cable that pulls up when the key is turned on to start engine?

Skip426 · 11-20-2015, 09:28 AM

The duty cycle of the shift interlock solenoid, is from key on till the brake is applied and the transmission is shifted into gear. The longer the vehicle is idled in park, or even sits with the key on , the hotter it will get.
There are millions of these solenoids in use and the failure rate is low , so they're built to stand up to the heat they produce.

Skip426 · 12-06-2015, 09:18 AM

The duty cycle of the shift interlock solenoid is from key on, till the brake pedal is depressed and the transmission is shifted into gear.
The longer the engine idles in park the hotter the solenoid gets , pretty much normal situation. Solenoid power is fused, so it will blow that fuse if there is a real problem.

EDIT: Note to self read the whole post before responding. I see you have seen the other post, with my reply.

The shift interlock , became an industry standard, after numerous accidents caused by owners shifting out of park with their foot on the gas instead of the brake, then pushing harder on the gas in an attempt to get the vehicle to stop moving. Which of course didn't work. So with the interlock the only way to get the shifter to move is to apply the brake first.
Audi & Jeep were the worst vehicles for this problem , because of the gas pedal location in relation to the drivers seat and steering column. Hundreds of thousands of the vehicles were re-called and retro-fitted with interlocks.

AUGEDAWG · 07-05-2016, 12:27 PM

Mine melted while replacing the refrigerant for the air conditioning.
It was idling in park for over a half hour. It was so hot, it was oozing out some grey material and would not operate.
I couldn't get it out of park.
When I replaced it, the new one would get really warm after just a couple of minutes idling. This is a very poor design from Chevy. It is a fire hazard.

boydj1 · 07-06-2016, 08:07 AM

Thanks to all who answered Boyd

joemcgin · 07-11-2016, 05:54 AM

Always wondered what was getting so hot down there. Now I know. Thanks. Discovered it when I was plugging in my OBD II Scanner.

AUGEDAWG · 07-12-2016, 05:04 PM

When yours burns up, the part number is: 26042494 $58.64
Adjust the cable by moving the little plastic clip.
Now when I warm up my engine, I put it in neutral, and put my foot on the brake.
Stupid.

jelag · 07-12-2016, 06:58 PM

BTW - $46 at rockauto... my thought.. and I agree with Skip, he has to be in the industry... is that there are 2 ways to wind a solenoid... the inexpensive way... used on starter solenoids and other short cycle solenoids... these are short duty cycle units as mentioned by Skip... the other solenoids are units used to lock several batteries together... or in battery chargers... where the solenoids will be locked ON for hours... the cost to manufacture is much higher... and frankly when you touch them... they usually aren't warm.... better design, better function, more money..