Q: 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme won't shift out of Park

asked by on February 03, 2016

My car won't shift out of Park.

Car does not shift from park to drive Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

This is a common problem when the shift lock solenoid either isn’t getting a signal or has failed, have a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, inspect and diagnose the problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Heads warped
Hi there. A stuck thermostat will definitely cause your engine to overheat. When your heads warp because of this, it is necessary to take it to an engine machining shop in order for them to attempt to straighten out the...
Spay painted wheels and it didnt dry and has wrinkles.
If you cannot use the paint stripper to get off the paint, try letting it dry then sand it smooth and then put on another coat of paint. First let the rims set in the sun to dry and harden...
My car jerks while shifting gears. Will a transmission flush help with this problem?
Hello - some would say not to flush the transmission at this mileage point, for fear of stirring up debris and clogging shift valves. On the other hand, changing the fluid and filter may improve gear engagement (slow as you...
My car is hard to start - do I have bad battery cables?
Hi there: If you turn the key on your Jeep and the engine cranks over every time, then the starting problem is most likely not the battery cables. However, if you turn the key and it takes a few times...
Car missing and poor pick up
Hello, An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and...
The car cannot be started, engine jumps
I'm wondering how it ran last time you drove it. When you say it sounds bad when you try to start it it makes me think you may have a broken timing belt. That will make the engine crank at...
My car will go down the road but rpm runs around 4 won't shift do you think it's just low on fluids
Hello, thank you for writing in. Low transmission fluid will absolutely cause the issues you are having. Checking the level and condition should be top priority, and if you have not changed the fluid and filter yet, consider doing so....
Should my radiator be empty while pouring the stop leak for blown head gasket?
Hi there. Thanks for contacting us today. Based on what you've written, you probably did this correctly. However, it's quite possible that the damage to the head gasket is too extreme for these products to work. In most cases, a...
Question
The specific data that you are seeking have been complied and published by Consumer Reports (CR), based on their periodic vehicle reliability surveys and, as well, reliability can be easily inferred by reviewing the relevant model years in the NHTSA...

Related articles

How Does a Transmission Filter Work?
The The transmission plays a hugely important role in how your vehicle functions. It's connected to the rear portion of your engine and transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Without a transmission, a vehicle simply cannot move. The...
How Does a Clutch Work in a Manual Transmission?
The The clutch in a car transmission is what works to engage and disengage the drive shaft’s moving parts. In a manual transmission, the driver has to manipulate a pedal or a lever in order to shift gears. The clutch...
How Long Does a Clutch Last?
It’s a fact of life that a car clutch will almost certainly wear out before your car does. That’s because, even...