Q: unable to consistently shift gear from park to drive
noticed that when weather is cool I can switch my automatic Madza 2005 from Park to drive. When weather is hot my parking gear will not shift to reverse or drive
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Brake Light Switch Replacement | $105.34 - $195.67 | Get a Quote |
| Car does not shift from park to drive Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hi there. This is commonly due to the brake light switch failing. The shifter locks itself in park until the brake is applied. If the circuit does not detect you applying the brake then it locks in park. Most of the time, all it will need is a new brake switch, though I always test the circuit first. If you want to have this done, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose this shifting issue and make the appropriate repairs.
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
What others are asking
How do I use the automatic air conditioning system?
If your car is equipped with an automatic air conditioning system (optional equipment), you can set the temperature that you want for the interior of the cabin and let the computer handle all the details. You can also set a...
Engine not getting gas properly.
Hi, this is a common mistake people make when putting a fuel pump on. They forget to change the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter may be what caused the pump to go bad. I would have a technician such...
Change oil soon warning light is coming on
Yes, the service light must be manually reset after an oil change. I'm guessing the shop forgot to do this after your last service. You can do this yourself if you desire. Simply turn the key to the ignition position...
my car has a rough start
If the spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) are coated in oil, that can cause a rough cold start or idle. The engine is burning oil in cylinders 1, 2, and 3. The most typical cause is from worn valve guides. The intake...
Bluish exhaust smoke upon startup
With higher mileage like your vehicle has, the exhaust valve stem seals wear, allowing a tiny amount of oil to seep onto the exhaust valve while the car is sitting. When you start it up, this oil is burned up...
Car won't accelerate when I press the gas pedal.
The lack of acceleration or starting may be caused by many different things, but may be a sign of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a sensor used to monitor the throttle position of the...
Uncontrollable shaking
Hello and thanks for writing in. Shaking at high speeds is often times related to tires that may be out of balance, low on air, potentially a badly aligned front end or failing suspension components or ball joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ball-joint-front-replacement). When...
My car is kinda low, i drove over a puddle on my way home amd now it's moist under my car mats why? Is that cause it's too low? 2011 BMW 328i
Hi there - while it's possible that water intruded driving "over" a puddle, this seems unlikely in an age of quality, well-sealed cars. The immediate smell also suggests this is not water, but perhaps engine coolant leaking from the heater...
I have a 2007 Lexus ES 350. I tried to start the car and the lights came on, it clicked but would not turn over. I tried a coupl
Whether a jump start will start a car, or even power lights, depends on how good the connection is and whether or not other issues in the car's electrical system (such as a faulty battery to body ground cable). Also,...
Related articles
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Windy Area
If If you live in a windy area, one of the most important things you’re going to be looking for in a used vehicle is the ability to remain stable on the road on even the most blustery days. That...
How to Buy Good Quality Tire Snow Socks
When When the white stuff starts to fall, you need to take action. For many drivers, installing winter tires is the right choice. For others, using tire chains is better. However, you might actually benefit from something else – tire...
How to Release a Stuck Parking Brake
The parking brake (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/4-essential-things-to-know-about-your-car-s-parking-brake) is an important braking component that is only used when a vehicle is parked. It helps to take unnecessary...
Browse other content
Estimates
Cities