QuestionI have a 1996 Chevy Caprice Classic with 20,,, orig.miles. I drove to store and shit off car. Came back and started it. Pressed brake pedal to put into gear. Could not move gear shift. Could not shut off car. Heard click in key ignition on column every time I depressed brake pedal. Finally had to turn ignition on further grinding starter gear and shut off ignition key fast to shut it down. Did same thing several times with same results. Car has anti theft feature with resistor in key (VATS). Looked in repair manual and nothing mentioned on this problem.
Tried to find it on the net and no answer. Something is locking the automatic gear shift lever and preventing me from shutting off car. I finally got angry and crammed it into gear to get home. It is hot here and the temp in my car was 146 degrees. Checked fuses and all are good. This has something to do with the brake pedal which must be depressed to change gears out of park. I hear a click. Can you help or do you know someone you could ask? Thanks. It is a real stinker of a problem.
AnswerHi Ken,
On many cars today, the steering wheel has an antitheft device in the column. You are supposed to grab the steering wheel and turn it hard to one side or the other, as you turn the key. This is supposed to make a thief not be able to steer the car if the punch the ign.
Your wheels may have been turned slightly and the car rolled back. This may have put the column device into an ususual position that you never experienced before.
Although most times it is not necessary to follow these steps, the actual steps to start are: 1. insert the key. 2. turn the steering wheel while turning the key. 3. start the car. 4. press brake pedal as you are putting into gear. All of these are safety devices and antitheft.
Now since you 'crammed' the gear shifter, I am not sure if you may have damaged something. Hopefully not. If this happens again, turn the steering wheel hard as you turn the key.
Hope this helps.
C J S
