2001 Pathfinder shift solenoid

[MCat]

I have a 2001 Pathfinder LE 4x4 that recently started sticking in 'park' on the automatic transmission and not allowing me to press in the button to release it. The dealer (service) told me over the phone it sounds like the shift solenoid and said 'that's pretty pricey'. The vehicle has only 72,000 miles on it. I read in your forum posts that this may be a flaw in the model transmission - or - to try having the trans flushed by the dealer.

This seems like an expensive replacement for a vehicle with only 72,000 miles on it...anyone have any ideas before I end up having to replace the shift solenoid?

Thanks.

[Buzzman]

Ok, we need a little clarification.Are you saying that when you start the car, and then put your foot on the brake, that you can't pull the shift lever down out of "park"??Or, is it the button itself that you can't push in with your thumb?

If you can't pull out of park after you push the brake pedal, do you still get the clicking sound from inside the shift console? Pushing the brake pedal activates a solenoid under the shift lever, which allows you to pull down the shifter. (This is a safety measure on all vehicles to prevent you from shifting out of park if the vehicle is not running, or if you don't have your foot on the brake.)

Either way, it doesn't sound like a transmission problem, but rather a linkage problem. You may have to pull the covers off the centre console and do some troubleshooting from there.

Keep us informed.Thanks.

[MCat]

"""""Are you saying that when you start the car, and then put your foot on the brake, that you can't pull the shift lever down out of "park"??Or, is it the button itself that you can't push in with your thumb?"""""

I start the car, put my foot on the brake, but the button won't push in to release the shift level out of 'park'. While continuing to step on the brake, and manuevering the button and shift level, it eventually releases the button...at least it has so far. I can't trust it not to get stuck where I won't be able to get the button to release. Any thoughts since it appears to be the button?

Thanks.

[Buzzman]

Next question: With the engine running and the car still in park, can you hear the clicking of the solenoid when you depress the brake pedal?It may need nothing more than a mechanical adjustment under the shift console.