Cannot shift to drive...Must use shift-lock release???

[kpc2593]

My 1999 Acura TL 3.2L is acting up again.

I drove the car this morning and I was able to shift from park to drive just fine however this afternoon when I drove the car again I could not shift out of park. My headlights were blinking too which was odd.

The only way I was able to shift out of park is using the shift lock release. Anybody know whats going on?

I applied the brakes as hard as I could while trying to shift to drive from park and it just wouldn't move until I used the shift-lock release.

[Z0_o6]

Check the shift lock solenoid. place your hand on the shifter, then put your foot on the brake pedal. you should feel the shifter "click" faintly, that is the solenoid releasing the shifter. also check the brake switch, and the little rubber stopper that hits the brake switch.

[kpc2593]

Messing with the car for a few minutes and found out that my brake lights are not working??? Any suggestions?

[Z0_o6]

brake switch controls the shift interlock solenoid, as i said before. the switch is located under the dash at the brake pedal arm. get under there and look. if the little stopper has come out of the arm, it will not actuate the switch. otherwise the switch is bad. replace it.

[Barefoot]

brake switch all day

[kpc2593]

Yup...I believe at this point its the brake switch....Thanks for the reply hondabuilder and barefoot....

I had a chance to get down there a take photos of the switch...Hoping if you guys can see anything wrong in the photos...

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2098/dscn0178o.jpg
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7370/dscn0179gbd.jpg
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4346/dscn0180i.jpg

[Cool Cat Racing]

Nothing wrong, just a bad switch.

[Barefoot]

yup electronic part

[Z0_o6]

stopper is installed, therefore it is absolutely the switch. the stopper is usually more of a problem on integras and civics, and older cars, but it's worth lookin for since it's all of like .25 to fix lol.

[kpc2593]

I appreciate the responses. I have no choice but to replace the switch. Any of yall know anybody that can get me the switch for the down low?

[Barefoot]

u can get 1 any where they are pretty cheap.

[kpc2593]

Got some bad news...replaced the switch but it didn't resolve anything. I don't know whats wrong. Can it be an electrical problem?

I have talked to my personal friend who used to work for acura and he told me he replaced hundreds of switches and it always fixed the problem.

My alarm kept going off even after I inserted my key into the ignition before I found out that I couldn't shift out of park....perhaps the alarm caused some wires in the electrical line to go bad?

I know my brake light bulbs are fine since the tail-light function is on when my headlights are on. (they stay solid though, even when pressing on the brake)

[Z0_o6]

start checking fuses.

[smoknlegend]

Does your tl have an aftermarket alarm?

[kpc2593]

Does your tl have an aftermarket alarm?

I have no idea...I just got off the phone with my friend and he told me it creates a big problem when you have an aftermarket alarm installed onto of an original. I believe I still have the original alarm since the remote that came with my car is the original and I see no signs of an aftermarket alarm.

I guess I'll the check the fuses out...any particular ones that I should check out carefully?

[kpc2593]

UPDATE!

After spending the whole day scratching my head, I finally took 5 minutes to check the fuses and BAM!!! I found a fuse called "STOP" and took it out and whala...it was blown. Replaced it with a spare fuse and my car is back to normal!! :goodjob:

In the end it turns out the switch was fine. Now I gotta head back to O'Reilly's and explain why I am returning the switch.

I gotta thank you guys for your responses!!

[Z0_o6]

I wouldn't expect them to give you a refund. Usually electrical parts are not returnable once opened. Sorry for the trouble, I assumed you checked the fuses to begin with.

[Barefoot]

I wouldn't expect them to give you a refund. Usually electrical parts are not returnable once opened. Sorry for the trouble, I assumed you checked the fuses to begin with.aint that the truth.

[kpc2593]

I wouldn't expect them to give you a refund. Usually electrical parts are not returnable once opened. Sorry for the trouble, I assumed you checked the fuses to begin with.

Nope...they allowed me to return it, no questions asked. I paid cash, and I got my cash back. The full amount. :D

[Captain-Obvious™]

I assumed you checked the fuses to begin with.

yep

[Z0_o6]

Nope...they allowed me to return it, no questions asked. I paid cash, and I got my cash back. The full amount. :D

Well then no harm no foul!