2007 Auto Shift-Lock sticks

[rrpeterson]

Hi guys,

Lately in the cold mornings the shift-lock on my wife's 97 Versa doesn't want to unlock when the brake pedal is pressed, which makes it impossible to shift out of park to drive. Usually after trying for 3-4 minutes it finally will work and allow shifting. Usually once this has happened it becomes possible to shift into park and back out again without pressing the brake at all. I'm assuming this means it's "sticking" somehow.

Has anyone else had this problem, and if so what did you do? I'm looking for a manual so I can maybe take it apart and try to diagnose further. If anyone has any input/suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. I'm assuming it's not under warranty at 25k miles and 1997 model year.

Thanks!
Modified by rrpeterson at 12:16 PM 12/13/2008

[Atx_Versa]

Hi guys,

Lately in the cold mornings the shift-lock on my wife's 97 Versa doesn't want to unlock when the brake pedal is pressed, which makes it impossible to shift out of park to drive. Usually after trying for 3-4 minutes it finally will work and allow shifting. Usually once this has happened it becomes possible to shift into park and back out again without pressing the brake at all. I'm assuming this means it's "sticking" somehow.

Has anyone else had this problem, and if so what did you do? I'm looking for a manual so I can maybe take it apart and try to diagnose further. If anyone has any input/suggestions they would be greatly appreciated. I'm assuming it's not under warranty at 25k miles and 1997 model year.

Thanks!

1997!?!?! I'm thinking you mean you have a 2007? But you did it twice and typed out the whole year so you must be serious.

I am curious to see what this 1997 Nissan Versa looks like. Do you mind posting pics?

[VersaMG08]

1997 Versa? hahaha, I thought the same thing too. That thing would look hella ugly! Anyway, what exactly does the shift lock do? I've seen it but never intended to use it.

[rrpeterson]

oops, d'oh I meant 2007. I knew when I was typing it out something wasn't quite right.

It's the internal mechanism that keeps the shift lever from being able to move out of "Park" when the car is stopped. Normally you start the car, press the brake, move the selector to "Drive" and go on your merry way. Well in my car, you start the car, press the brake, try to move the selector and it's stuck fast in Park. So you alternate between pumping the brake, trying to move the lever, and swearing until it finally works after the 10th-15th time.

[viet510racer]

maybe mechanism is not tight?? became loose over time?? trip to dealer i would assume. sorry no help here.

[Sonofasailor]

From what I have read I thought the shift lock was for when the vehicle is being towed.

[shiryu0]

are ur brake lights working correctly? check them, the brake lights should be wired to the shift lock.............and the warranty runs to 36,000 miles, take it in if you cant figure it out.

[biggie]

Most likely does have something to do with the brake pedal switch (which would both turn on brake lights and release the shift lock). Though could be something with the shift lock itself. Either way take a trip to the dealer, should be covered, 100k drivetrain warranty and to me the shifter is drivetrain.

[Maverick7687]

I have not verified this with too many vehicles, but the ones I have tried it works. Usually if there is no Manual shift-lock release, you can turn the key to acc (Or if it's one of those smart-keys, whatever is the equivalent to the ACC position) and freely shift from park to Neutral, then start the car.

Like I said, not 100% but something to try.