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'92 Topaz cant get out of Park


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Huff
User

May 2, 2009, 3:55 PM

Post #1 of 8 (1273 views)
'92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

I am having a problem with my '92 Topaz. I cant get it out of park. My shift knob popped off when I pressed on the side release button so I thought if I replace the knob that would be the fix. So I had to buy a universal one and it worked for about 24hrs and then its started happening again. Not allowing me to gear out of park. I would push and push on the release button and then finally with all my strength I was able to get it out of park. I thought I would try to adjust the position of the new shifter knob but still no luck. What can this be? Why is this happening? I noticed when I took the knob off there was a white plastic cord of some kind inside the metal shaft which I think needs to be pushed down to change gears...? I was told by someone that I should be able to push this down with my thumb... Is that true? Because there is no way that it will go down I tried and tried with my hand. Please can anybody help?


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

May 2, 2009, 4:07 PM

Post #2 of 8 (1270 views)
Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

That 'plastic cord' is what usually breaks. I've never had much luck with the 'universal' stuff. Best bet is to get the factory replacement. Also, there is a safety switch, which you must push the brake pedal to 'unlock' the shifter. Make sure your brake lights work. If the brake light switch is defective, it will keep the shifter from coming out of park.
Loren
SW Washington


Huff
User

May 2, 2009, 4:35 PM

Post #3 of 8 (1269 views)
Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

Thank you. Yes I have been pressing on the brake, right down to the floor. And this issue just started happening once in a while over the last couple of weeks but now its here for good. Also the brake lights seem to work fine. So my brake light switch my be defective now? I herd something about a "solenoid" not releasing is that the same thing? or what about the linkage between the shifter and the transmission begin to tight?


Huff
User

May 2, 2009, 4:38 PM

Post #4 of 8 (1263 views)
Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

Also how do I know if that cord is broken? I didnt want to pull it all the way out cause I didnt know what I was doing.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

May 2, 2009, 4:39 PM

Post #5 of 8 (1262 views)
Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

Huff; If the brake lights work, then the switch is okay. Yes, there is a solenoid in the shifter console, but this sounds more like a linkage problem.
Loren
SW Washington


Huff
User

May 2, 2009, 4:42 PM

Post #6 of 8 (1259 views)
Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

Do you know anything about this "linkage" issue? how do I verify that this is the issue? and fix it?


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

May 2, 2009, 4:58 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1250 views)
Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

I just went through my site. Couldn't find any pictures.Unsure Nor, any part information. It's really tough to try and describe what you are dealing with. When the shifter handle is removed, you should be able to see the plastic strap. When you push the shifter button in, it connects to the 'strip' and releases the detent, allowing it to move out of park. Also, you should be able to hear the solenoid click, with the key on and brake pedal depressed. It's possible that it is the solenoid, but almost always it's the plastic linkage that breaks.
Loren
SW Washington


Huff
User

May 2, 2009, 5:21 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1245 views)
Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park Sign In

Oh ok so the "linkage" is the white plastic cord thing? Do I just pull it all the way out to see if its broken? If its not can I just push that back in the same way? and if its not broken is there any other reason it could be doing this?

It sounds to me like its not the solenoid as I believe I hear the light click.






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