Chrysler Repair: 95 sebring transmission stuck in Park, selector rod, automatic transmissions


Question
Hi Roland;
We tried moving the car back and forth with not any luck, the car was on level sirface. The next question is can we disassemble the shifter from inside the car or do we have to do it under the car, hubby never had one apart before thanks for the help, Kate
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Followup To

Question -
Replaced ignigtion coil in daughters car, than we went to restart car, found that car started but is stuck in park, can not get out of park. Held the brake like manual said to pull it out of park, but still will not budge. How do i get the car to shift out Park and into Drive etc?

Answer -
Hi Kate,
In my experience with the park position on automatic transmissions, if you put it in park on a slanted surface (driveway for example) that is too steep without first applying the parking brake, the 'park' lock (sprag) will be forced so firmly by the weight of the car that it won't release. My suggestion would be to put the lightest family member in the driver's seat, then everybody else push, on which ever end of the car is facing down, against gravity (i.e. try to push the car up the hill) all together and at the same moment the "driver" should try to move the shifter from park to reverse. Also be aware that there could be a push-button interlock on the shifter lever (or even on the brake pedal that will have to be 'timed' in its actuation) so that you don't prevent the car from being moved enough by the pushers to release the tension on the sprag. When and if it releases, the driver has to be ready to stop the car from rolling by by pressing on the foot brake.
Other than that, it probably means some disassembly of the trans selector rod mechanism which can be done without removing the trans from the vehicle. Whatever you do, don't force the shifter.
So give that a try and let me know what you find.
Roland

Answer
Hi Kate,
I think I know what the problem is. There is a safety interlock system that involves the ignition key lock position, the brake pedal, and the shifter mechanism. I believe that it is out of adjustment. The adjustment, though not in itself difficult, requires some disassembly around the shift console and a set of instructions. I have the ones for the '95 Sebring sedan (not the convertible which may be different?) and I could xerox and postal mail those to you. If you would like them send me a response via the "Thank and rate response" tab where you will have space to give me a mailing address in the comments section.
As for getting the car going in the meantime, I can only suggest that you try putting the ignition switch in the other positions (such as accessory, off, and starter) to see if by chance when you also step on the brake pedal the trans will shift out of park. The problem might also involve the cable that goes from the shifter to the brake pedal so I just mention that as another thing to look into. The pages I have shows the system but it is not totally revelatory of what to do for every possible malfunction. But it is a starting point. Let me know if trying other key switch positions is of any help, and of course if you want me to copy and mail you the pages.
Roland