Hi all experts: started a few days ago, when my Accord 2002 is in parking, I can't get it out of parking while I was breaking until I try a few times. What I am saying is, when the car is in parking, normally I will have to hit and hold the break while I attempt to pull the stick out of PARK into D4, but started a few days ago, it will take me a few tries in order to get the stick out of the PARK. I would hear a click normally, that's when I know I can depress the drive stick and pull it out of PARK, but again, it will take me a few tries in order to hear the "click".

Help! Much appreciated!

--JR

Do you have brake lights?

If it won't come out and you do or don't have brake lights, the trim around the shifter pops up and you can get access to the release for the interlock.

If you do have brake lights working and the shifter is still stuck in park, the release solenoid is probably either gummed up or going bad.

Hi thanks for the quick reply and I think I am getting somewhere.

I just followed your instruction, when I hit the break, the break light did not come on (surprised me, didn't even pay attention to that!), and of course the shifter could not be moved.

When I hit the break for a few more times, whenver I saw the break light comes on, I can move the shift.

Now, can you please show me how to fix this? Thanks!

Sounds like you have a defective brake (NOT break) light switch, it is near the top of the brake pedal arm, should be inexpensive and relatively easy to replace.

If you have cruise control the switch is kinda pricy...about $30. If you don't have cruise control, I believe it is $7.

Did you normally apply parking _brake_ when parking on an incline?

Sounds like you have a defective brake (NOT break) light switch, it is near the top of the brake pedal arm, should be inexpensive and relatively easy to replace.

Thanks, likely I am going to have to take it to the shop.

If you have cruise control the switch is kinda pricy...about $30. If you don't have cruise control, I believe it is $7.

Thanks, $30 is still much better than a $300 break. Thank you for the clarification, it made me much better now.

Did you normally apply parking _brake_ when parking on an incline?

Well I rarely park on an incline, my drive way is about a 2-degree incline if that counts, so I have never apply the parking brake. Thanks.

If you own a 12mm wrench and have about 90 seconds to spare, you can save some money and replace the switch on your own. Like Avio said above, it is really easy to change. I say pricey because I just changed one on my 03 and it cost me $5.62. My friend owns an 01 EX and his went bad so I told him what has to be replaced. He was shocked to hear that mine on a newer car was $5 and his was $30.

If you own a 12mm wrench and have about 90 seconds to spare, you can save some money and replace the switch on your own. Like Avio said above, it is really easy to change. I say pricey because I just changed one on my 03 and it cost me $5.62. My friend owns an 01 EX and his went bad so I told him what has to be replaced. He was shocked to hear that mine on a newer car was $5 and his was $30.

Ok, so I do have crucial control I guess I am getting the $30+ one, should be this right:

http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/YN/C5985-FAE-P3055.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_term=02+2002+Honda+Accord+Stop+Light+Switch+FA E+Honda+Stop+Light+Switch+SE+4dr&utm_content=YN&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Google+Base

And here is how to fix it:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_change_a_brake_light_switch_on_a_2002_h onda_accord

Am I on the right track? Thanks again guys!

Yes that is the one.

Thank you all for your help! I will report back.

Thank you again! Much appreciated!

If you own a 12mm wrench and have about 90 seconds to spare, you can save some money and replace the switch on your own. Like Avio said above, it is really easy to change. I say pricey because I just changed one on my 03 and it cost me $5.62. My friend owns an 01 EX and his went bad so I told him what has to be replaced. He was shocked to hear that mine on a newer car was $5 and his was $30.

Make sure he's sitting down if you have to tell him about the timing belt service. :D

Hello everyone!

I did it! I fixed the problem? Thank you very much for your expert guidance, I purchased the part and replaced it myself. It took about 15 minutes, much longer than the 90 seconds that you suggested but everything worked out--I was spending much of the time trying to take off one of the nuts, but then I thought, why don’t I unhook the cable, rotate the switch itself until it comes out? Off it did, replaced with the new one, wala! I am in love with my Accord again!

Thank you all again! You have been an invaluable resource for us newbie, keep up the great work!

Glad we could help. 15 minutes is not bad for I first timer. My 90 second estimate was because I knew exactly what I was going in for. Also on the 03 there it no nut to loosen. It twist right out. Stick around. You'll be surprised how much you will learn and save.