Tranny shifter button ie. not shifting from P

[tom4bren]

"cup holder launcher "

Too funny - still cleaning up coffee from last summer.

[MrCrowley]

Yeah, thats exactly what it is too! I can't tell you how many times over the years I have had "explosions" of gooey mess to deal with because of that stupid cupholder. Literally, the G forces from braking, turning, or braking/turning will launch anything larger that a can like a missile towards the shifter, dash, or the passenger footwell. I can't even count how many aborted liquid launces I have intervened after a close call and spill. Now its just habit to reach down when something is in there and I make an abrupt maneuver. Its to the point where I keep a large cup in the truck, and pour everything in it because it sort of "jams" into the cupholder. I'm wondering if it has something to do with "goo" in the shifter base and linkage, or if it really is mechanical. Maybe I'll get time this weekend to troubleshoot.

Maybe I'll just mount a camelbak behind the drivers seat. Too funny!

[tom4bren]

In retrospect, it's probably a good thing that they didn't make it big enough to hold a super big gulp.

[etlsport]

i try to only buy drinks that i can put a cap on

when i have fast food cups i usually have chapstick in my pocket, fits into the corner of the cupholder well and holds everything in a little better

[MrCrowley]

Hey!

I think I "accidentally" verified it is the gate on the brake pedal.

1. I went to brake for a red light using cruise control with a car in front of me. AHHHHH!!!! the cruise control didnt want to disengage. Luckily, I reached over and hit the main cruise button on the dash in time.

2. This morning, I was doing the usual fiddling with the tranny lock out button, and I leaned my body to the right for a better grip with a tired hand, and VOILA! my foot on the brake pressed the pedal laterally to the left while it was depressed. Click! the button depressed.

3. After a morning stop for coffee, I did the same thing and used the lateral left pressure. Click! Shifted just fine.

Now I just have to figure out how to get under there and adjust it. At least I have a backup plan now until the weekend gets here.

Thanks mdwyer, you were right about the gate!!!

[tom4bren]

FYI - you may not have brake lights either if the switch isn't engaging (assume it's all on the same circuit).

[mdwyer]

Thanks mdwyer, you were right about the gate!!!

Damn, I love being right. You might give the search engine an attempt. Sticky shift gates seem to be a pretty common problem, and I'm almost positive I've seen it discussed before. If I come across it, I'll come back with a link.

[MrCrowley]

Yeah, but I was ***-uming the center console area and the button, and was unaware of a "gate" until you mentioned it, so my search was futile early on. Also, this morning I had to laterally press the brake to the right, so I am thinking that maybe the gate is loose, or something else has developed some play. Luckily, the brake lights seem to function ok.

Thanks for the help!!!