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Shifter issues; Atto trans shifter lock
Topic Started: Sep 22 2012, 12:00 AM (1,016 Views)
Stillraining
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Our 96 Geo has developed a shifter lock issue where the lock button will not release the shifter out of the park position. Some times stranding us for 30 min. Several hundred attempts of actuation of the button before it will finally depress all the way and release the shift lever.

What gives with this? And how do I fix it.

FWIW it dosent mater how may times I pump the breaks or how hard I push on them or what position the park break is in. :ermm:
Edited by Stillraining, Sep 22 2012, 12:02 AM.
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Woodie
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I think there's a secret release button behind a little hatch on the side of the console.
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Scoobs
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:D

I had a metro that did that to me, i pulled the console and just removed the electric actuator all together. No more lock.
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91 ragtop
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Pull the console cover off and see how everything works. I've had to fix two of them that get bent in the ratchet mechanism to get them to line up right. They're made cheap and light duty just like alot of other things on these cars.


Ken....
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Stillraining
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91 rag top said "Pull the console cover off and see how everything works. I've had to fix two of them that get bent in the ratchet mechanism to get them to line up right. They're made cheap and light duty just like alot of other things on these cars."


Ken....


OK thanks I will try that
Edited by Stillraining, Sep 25 2012, 01:10 AM.
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Stillraining
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Scoobs said "I had a metro that did that to me, i pulled the console and just removed the electric actuator all together. No more lock."



Hmmm....This is a manual actuator...I don't think it has anything to do with an electric one....Please explain how it works and what you did if im wrong?
Edited by Stillraining, Sep 25 2012, 01:11 AM.
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Scoobs
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:D

Stillraining
Sep 25 2012, 01:06 AM
Scoobs said "I had a metro that did that to me, i pulled the console and just removed the electric actuator all together. No more lock."



Hmmm....This is a manual actuator...I don't think it has anything to do with an electric one....Please explain how it works and what you did if im wrong?
There is an electronic solenoid that moves a small plastic part to allow you to press the shifter button when your brake is pressed. I removed that electric solenoid so the shifter button can be pressed, altho it allows it to be able to change gears even if your key is not in the car.
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Stillraining
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OK I will look into changing out the solenoid..My Daughter is driving the car I don't want to circumvent any safety features. Thanks...Got a picture of its location?
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Stillraining
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Hey Ken: I pulled the cover off and took a look around in there...everything is concealed inside the shift lever tube..I see no way to examine any of it...Unless you put the car on a lift and try to look from under the car. What parts are you bending?
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rjsdotorg
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Scoobs
Sep 25 2012, 09:01 AM
There is an electronic solenoid that moves a small plastic part to allow you to press the shifter button when your brake is pressed. I removed that electric solenoid so the shifter button can be pressed, altho it allows it to be able to change gears even if your key is not in the car.
Hmm, I just removed my auto; it had:
manual ignition lock (cable from switch body to shifter)
solenoid (actuated by brake switch)
shifter button (the actual lever release)

either of the fist 2 can lock out the last...

And her's the '94 FSM pages for ya:
Full res 7A-16
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Full -res 7A-18
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Edited by rjsdotorg, Oct 13 2012, 11:05 AM.
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Stillraining
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rjsdotorg...Your explanation really helped me allot..I now know you and Scoobs are correct..It has to be the solenoid. Thanks Guys!

My daughter is headed over right now. I will update you with the repair. http://z3.ifrm.com/165/2/0/e172727//e172727.gif
Edited by Stillraining, Oct 13 2012, 04:17 PM.
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Stillraining
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Problem is fixed!! Woo Hoo!

The previous owner must have spilled a very sticky drink down the shifter...That plastic part attached to that Solenoid was so caked in sugar it would barley move. It would move so slowly that we weren't waiting long enough for it to slide out of the lock position before we were pulling on the shifter trapping it's progress..as it was taking about 5 seconds to retract..

I cleaned it all up with 409 and water and then lubed it up with first WD40 and then some very light oil. It works like a champ now. Actuates instantly when the breaks are pressed like its supposed to.

I want to thank everyone. :cheers
Edited by Stillraining, Oct 13 2012, 04:53 PM.
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rjsdotorg
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Nice, BTW, WD40 is a great solvent and rust preventive, but really poor lube once the volatiles evap out. The light oil or silicone is the trick.
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Stillraining
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yep, but its one of the best water dispersers on the market. ( Actuality what it was designed for) ..hence using it first and then applying light oil.
Edited by Stillraining, Oct 15 2012, 12:19 AM.
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