Cadillac Repair: Gearshift lever stuck, solinoid, possability

Question
1992 Seville gearshift lever is locked because I cannot release it by squeezing as intended. It felt awkward and I squeezed it and it won't release from Park. I am mechanically inclined, but do not know how to proceed. There is nothing wrong with the drivetrain, only that the release is stuck. Please shed some light on this. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Lee,

     There is an electrical solinoid that is mounted on the shifter assembly called a shift interlock solinoid. Its purpose is to prevent someone from shifting out of gear unless their foot is on the brake pedal. Because of the age of your car there is a possability that the brake switch could be defective but more likely the solinoid is defective and needs to be replaced.

      The shifter handle needs to be removed by removeing the staple retainer from the backside of the handle. Then the panel can be removed by prying around the edges with a flatblade screwdriver. You will then be able to see the solinoid mounted to the shifter assembly and has a 2 wire connector going to it. Unplug the connector and the shifter should be able to be moved out of park. To test it you will need a voltmeter or 12 volt test light. There should be power to the solinoid with your foot off the brake and then no power when pushing the pedal. At that point you could just leave the connector unplugged or replace the solinoid.

      If you don't have a console shift the solinoid is mounted on the steering column.

     Hope that answers your question. Bill