Shifter Malfunction

[marvg]

We have a 2004 Lexus ES330. Twice now, after starting the engine, the shifter would not release from the "Park" position. It did, however, release after the engine was turned off (for a slight period of time) and restarted. We called Lexus and were told that there is a little rectangular cover in the upper left corner of the shifter plate (mounted on the console) that housed a little white button. When this button is depressed, the shifter is released. So far, we haven't had to perform this procedure. We were told to bring the car in (to Lexus) as soon as possible, so that they could check it out. After four days, the tech told us that he couldn't duplicate the malfunction and there didn't seem to be anything wrong. He also informed us that it wasn't a computer problem and he hadn't heard of this occuring before. I find this hard to believe, since there seems to be a need for a release button.

Has anyone else had this problem?

[SKperformance]

Just a thought ,do you have the car parked on an incline and do you use your parking brakes?

[steviej]

You have to step on the brake pedal to release the shifter from park. There is a switch up at the top of the brake pedal that electronically releases the park lock. Maybe the switch is faulty, not adjusted properly or just tempermental.

Call the service department back and see if they checked this switch.

Unfortunately, problems like this are hard to diagnose if duplication fails.

If it happens again. Don't turn the car off, take you foot off the brake and then reapply pressure to the pedal and try again. See if you can't isolate the problem by limiting you variables everytime this "no shift" condition happens.

steviej

[Toysrme]

It's not a typical problem.

I find this hard to believe, since there seems to be a need for a release button.

Almost Every A/T, from every manufacture hides a shift-release button (to over-ride the ignition, brake, and shifter moutned button).

It's there when you need it.

Like steviej told you. It's very hard to duplicate such problems. When you try, and go through the system, more often than not, it's user error. Like forgetting to push the brake, or forgetting to have the ignition turned to the ON position.

[marvg]

It's not a typical problem.

I find this hard to believe, since there seems to be a need for a release button.

Almost Every A/T, from every manufacture hides a shift-release button (to over-ride the ignition, brake, and shifter moutned button).

It's there when you need it.

Like steviej told you. It's very hard to duplicate such problems. When you try, and go through the system, more often than not, it's user error. Like forgetting to push the brake, or forgetting to have the ignition turned to the ON position.

←

To those who have replied, thank you. First, the car was not parked on an incline and yes, the parking brake was on. To the rest of you, if and when it happens again, I will step on the brake and try to shift.

[marvg]

stevie-

Thought I'd let you know that you are absolutely correct. You have to step on the brake pedal in order to shift out of park. Thank you for your imput.

-Marv

[lexus ls430]

thanks for info

[steviej]

stevie-

Thought I'd let you know that you are absolutely correct.  You have to step on the brake pedal in order to shift out of park.  Thank you for your imput.

-Marv

←

Marv, glad to help.

One suggestion. Please take a few hours and read the owners manual. This bit of information and many others are all laid out in there.

steviej