05 Monte Carlo can't shift out of park?

Yes I am pushing on the brake.

Robert2014-02-08T10:14:09Z

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Sounds like the safety release cable may not be letting go when you push on the brake. On the center console, next to the gear shift there is a small, rectangular snap in cap. Using a flat blade screwdriver, pry the cap out gently. Down in that small hole is a manual release for the gear shift. Using the screwdriver, you should be able to push down and release the gear shift to move it between gears. Take your car to a mechanic as soon as is convenient though. If it is the cable, you will be stuck using this method to get into gear ever time you need to get the car out of park.

?2016-09-30T02:44:33Z

05 Monte Carlo

Richard2014-02-08T10:19:55Z

If you're parked on a hill, it can be difficult to shift out of park. If that's the case, then you need to whack the gear selector into gear and it'll be fine. It may make a clunk noise but that's normal due to the slope (you may) have parked on.

If you park on a slope, you should be setting the parking brake after you've put the car in park, but before you take your foot off the brake. That takes all the pressure off of the transmission and will prevent the difficulty of gear selection.

The transmission Park selection is not designed to handle full loading of the vehicle's weight on an incline. There are numerous designs but basically a parking pawl or a rod that holds all that weight can get damaged from incorrectly parking. It can even shear off causing complete loss of park. So you really need to use the parking brake in that situation.

However, if you aren't parked on a slope, try jiggling your ignition switch a bit. (turn it on and off a few times)
Good luck!

PatrickC2014-02-08T11:57:11Z

Could be the brake light switch. Have a friend look at your brake lights when you step on the brakes. It's an easy fix and quick to eliminate.

?2016-07-02T12:00:25Z

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