The 2003 Honda Accord is known as a reliable and comfortable family car. As of 2010, they are also affordable and relatively cheap to repair. A frustrating problem is the shifter getting stuck in park. This can be caused by the interlock between the brake pedal and the shifter getting stuck. However, it's easy to get the car moving again, and you may be able to solve the problem altogether.
Remove the trim from the top of the gear shift. There are six clips holding the trim around the shifter in place, one on each side in the front, middle and rear of the piece. Work your way from front to back and pop the trim off.
Examine the underside of the trim for anything sticky or dirty. Sometimes spilled soda, coffee or other substances will seep through the trim and make the underside sticky, even though they may have been cleaned off the top. This can get into the solenoid that controls the interlock between the brake and the shifter and prevent the solenoid from releasing the shifter when the brake is pressed, causing it to stay stuck in park.
Use the solvent cleaner to clean anything sticky from the inside of the shifter mechanism. Use a little on each paper towel and use a little at a time so it doesn't run through the inside of the car.
Replace the trim by putting it in place and pressing down firmly. Test the shifter for proper operation. If it works then there is no need to visit a repair shop, just make sure the inside stays clean.
Look to the left hand side of the Park shifter position. There is a little flap which you can lift with the end of a screwdriver. Underneath is a button that will disable the interlock between the brake sifter and allow you to move the shifter out of park. Press and hold the brake, press the button underneath the flap and move the shifter out of park. You can leave the shifter in neutral so you can start and stop the car as you need to, but you should visit a repair shop as soon as possible.
