Questions and Answers
Shiftless Nissan
Q. Hi Vince, I am writing in reference to a problem with my car.
Nissan Altima
2.8L 4cyl.
automatic
95,000
FIThe problem just occurred all of the sudden. I parked my car & turned it off. When I came back and started the car I could not put it in reverse or any gear. The shift lock button could not be pressed in to put the car in reverse. After trying different things I finally succeeded by turning the car off and turning the ignition switch one turn (ACC position), no indications come on at this point. I then was able to change gears, so I put the car in neutral, then started the car & put it in drive. Since then the problem has not gone away I have to follow this procedure every time or I when I park I can park in neutral with hand brake on. It occurs only when I put the gear in Park. I would appreciate on your thoughts on what the problem is.
Thanks in advance.
A. I kind of understand what you're talking about. Nissan has a Shift Interlock system that requires you step on the brake before the car can be shifted out of Park. With the key ON you should hear a solenoid kick in and when you step on the brake, you should hear it kick out. If you don't, the two most likely causes are a blown fuse or a bad or misadjusted brake switch. The system does not activate in the ACC position, that's why you can shift it out of Park in that position.
If you check the fuse and it's good, then I would recommend taking it to a Nissan dealer to have the rest of the system checked.
