Cannot shift from park to reverse

I found this forum to seek a solution to a problem with my 02 Accord EX, and it seems like an excellent resource.

Basically when the weather gets hot, I cannot shift from park to reverse without using the shift lock release (automatic transmission). This problem has been happening for the last 3 yrs, basically since I have had the vehicle, and after the weather cools down a little, or I step on the brake a few times, I can then shift from park to reverse. However, this time, for the past day or two, I have not been able to shift it from park to reverse normally. Has this happened to anyone else, and what is the solution?

Thanks!

Adam

You have to use the Shift Lock!!!! It's a safety mechanism. That way you wont accidentally shift in rev, or if on the freeway, 2 or 1.

This is the case of, "read everything before you speak" thigs. Im sorry, Im at work and I cant fix a antigen on my exchange server. :-)

Thanks for the quick response!!!

Anyway, I too should read before I write. I just read someone else's thread about a similar problem. Apparently if the brake lights are out, you cannot shift from park to reverse. And guess what!!! Thats the same problem I am having. I just walked out to my car, and the brake lights dont work.

Now this has turned into a new question...Is this an electrical prob? or do i just have to change the lights?

Thanks again!

Thanks for the quick response!!!

Anyway, I too should read before I write. I just read someone else's thread about a similar problem. Apparently if the brake lights are out, you cannot shift from park to reverse. And guess what!!! Thats the same problem I am having. I just walked out to my car, and the brake lights dont work.

Now this has turned into a new question...Is this an electrical prob? or do i just have to change the lights?

Thanks again!


could be the brake light switch. that is what it was in my friend's accord... :thmsup: i believe they fixed her's under warranty too.

Check your bulbs, you'll know when they're burned out. Chances are that it's not the bulbs though, because there is a lamp on the dash that says "Brake Lamp" when a bulb goes dead. I'd put my money on something else like the brake light switch.

Thanks a lot for all the help! I am 99% sure it is the brake light switch, as I have checked all the fuses & bulbs & they are fine. I bought a new switch from the dealer. It seems pretty straight-forward to install. Does anyone have any tips on how to remove the old brake light switch & install the new one? I assume that I would just unplug the old one, and twist it out, then put in the new one. Should only take a few minutes, but if anyone has any ideas let me know...

Thanks again!

Update: I replace the brake light switch myself, very easy took 10 minutes, and it worked!

I followed these instructions: brake light switch installation (http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0d/1e/1a/0900823d800d1e1a.jsp)

Although the instructions are for a 1995 Accord, the installation & removal of the brake light switch is exactly the same for my 02 Accord.

Thanks again for all the help, this is a fantastic forum!

Excellent! Another satisfied customer... :nuts: