Shift knob stuck in park.

[enidpcs]

Hey there everyone. I am helping a buddy out with his QX4. It is an 03 4x4 with the 3.5. He left his sunroof open one evening, and the car got quite a downpour inside. Thus far, the only issue we have ran into has been the gear selector being stuck in park. It started doing this about a week after the rain storm. It may be unrelated. The remedy for the last few days has been putting the suv into 4LOW and then back to auto or 2 wheel. After that it would release the lever and the vehicle would move. Now, it is stuck completely. The shift lock brake pedal switch seems to be engaging, at least I can hear the clicking. I tried to get the shift knob off by removing the two screws, but didn't want to break it, so I didn't pull to hard. Any ideas?Trev

[jet73703]

Since it is my qx4 i will also note that it has been leaking a redish fluid quite slowly for about a month. also that the car ever since i bought it would once in a great while not release when i press the break, but nothing was leaking before and the remedy was simply to press the break a couple more times. thx

[Densetsu]

The reddish fluid is probably transmission fluid. If it's really low, it could prevent you from shifting.

Check the levels, top it off if necessary, and try again.

[Qxxx4]

just a stab in the dark....if the shift lock is engaged you can disengage the lock by turning the wheel violently while changing the gearshift it worked for me before in a landrover when the key wouldnt start...weird. just an idea