shift lock microswitch replacement

Shifter Lock [850][1997]... posted by Clive Gray on Tuesday, 6 March 2001, at 11:14 p.m.

         Hello, Im a proud new owner of a 1997 850, absolutely love it! Sometimes the automatic gear shifter
         will not let me move it out of park. My foot is on the brake but Im locked for a few seconds. It doesnt
         happen all the time. Any suggestions?
         CG

... posted by Ray Niblett on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, at 12:13 a.m. ...in response to "Shifter Lock" posted by Clive Gray.

This is a common problem. Called the shift-solenoid lockout
(or something similar like Shift Microswitch Lockout).

         Note that there is a little button to the right of the
         shifter that manually overrides it (so you won't be stuck
         if it totally fails).

Ours 95 is on its third microsowitch (and the last one was
replaced some time ago and seems to be a keeper).

         Go to this site and pick BAY 13 to see step-by-step fix it instructions for many
         of the 850/70 series common problems. Look for "Shift Microswitch Replacement"
         for your issue.

         The next time it won't come out of park, try gently moving the key fwd and rev just a bit and see if it
         allows you to get out of park, if that does the trick then you need the electricial side of your ignition
         switch replaced, if you have no luck with the twiddle of the key, then the micro switch is your next best
         bet. link has pictorial walk throughs of the repair.

Shifter Lock Out Device Problem [850][95] ... posted by Black Adder on Thursday, 15 March 2001, at 4:22 p.m.

                  Need help with the shifter lock out device on my '95 850 T-5R. It is quite finicky.
                  Sometimes it won't let me shift from park to drive without pushing the release
                  button. Sometimes it will. I suspect that the problem may be in foot brake switch. I
                  know when the lockout switch will disengage when I hear the soft click upon
                  pushing the brake pedal. Problem is it doesn't always happen...even upon repeated
                  press and release of the pedal.

Can anyone help me with this? I'm tired of having to use two hands to shift the
tranny. Thanks!

--
Black Adder: '95 T-5R, Bilstein, Eibach; '96 850R Wagon, stock

... posted by Nathan on Thursday, 15 March 2001, at 6:37 p.m. ...in
response to "Shifter Lock Out Device Problem" posted by Black Adder.

Your problem is most likely a faulty shift microswitch - go to Bay 13 for illustrated
directions on how to replace.

The part is about $15 and takes about 30-45 minutes to get to and replace - very
easy repair !