Hey y'all,

Yesterday when out camping in the woods, I realized my shifter was extremely hard to move while reversing in a tight spot. Was able to get it back into drive, but when I went to park, my shifter was even harder to move, and stayed in drive when I was able to get it into the park position. I could not feel the gears as I moved the shifter, and couldn't get it into park, reverse, neutral, anything. Had to drive the three hours home because I knew that if I turned my truck off in drive I would not be able to start it up again. While driving everything felt like normal, and when I got home I had to place the emergency brake on and cut it in drive.

I am still unable to switch gears when I checked today, and therefore cannot start my truck as it is still in drive. Heres what I know:
-While driving, the truck acts normal. Going over rocks and going 60mph on the highway just the same as always.
-When I try to shift, I cannot feel the usual clicks into each gear. I am able to slide it to park so I can get my key out, but it was extremely hard.
-I did replace my shifter about a month ago, as my tow/haul light was broken from a ripped cable. Although I dont think that could be the reasoning, I made sure to check it. Everything is attached as normal, the shifter itself is not loose or anything. I did also replace my starter a week ago but pretty dang sure that has nothing to do with this problem.
-From my research, seems like this problem could be the shifter cable, or the solenoid. But also looks like it could be an electrical issue.

Really hoping y'all can help me out, I don't want to have to get this girl towed to a shop. Any input on what to check or what you think it is will help. I want to fix this myself to save money and also because I bought this truck to learn how to fix problems such as this one.

Thank you!!
-Allie

 

I understand it will not shift or go into park. Can you shift it into gears with the PRNDL123 showing as such? You did not state model etc. You also stated that you drive this in the woods. Is it possible you have debris stopping the shift lever from moving?

 

No, I can't shift into gears with the PRND123 showing. Sorry about that, she's a 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500, 5.3L. I looked around and didn't see any debris, mainly was on old paved roads through the woods.

 

The gear shifter is usually interlocked with the brake switch. So some part of that could be malfunctioning.

 

hmmm, I did try to take the wire out from the solenoid so I would be able to shift without having to have my foot on the brake, unfortunately didn't work. Still cant feel any of the other gears. I need to figure out how to manually get it into park or at least neutral.

 

sounds like the shift linkage. I had this problem with one of my older cars. With a block of wood I was able to reach the transmission shifter and was able to shift the gears. Neutral, drive and reverse. good luck