2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

[Mark L.]

I've had a couple occasions now where the shift mechanism won't release from Park. After doing some online research it looks like there is a defect in the design/components that are used to control this. Apparently the release cam does not move away and it looks like the most common reason is the microswitch that controls it sometimes does not function. The most frequent "cure" that I've found online is to cut away the release cam. Does anyone have any experience with this devil?

[Richard M.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Mark, It could be the microswitch or the shifter interlock solenoid or the brake pedal relay. The relay is in the Passenger floor footrest area under the carpet. I forget which one it is but the info is on the backside of the panel.

I had similar problems on my 2007 A6 coupe. I was stranded one time but after repeated brake pedal "taps" I got it to work. However, one time the lock pawl got itself jammed up and couldn't get it into Reverse OR Park. I got the car home in the pouring rain but couldn't get it in the garage. Battery went dead by the next morning as I couldn't set to Park to shut of the ignition. I thought it would shut itself down but it didn't. I should have disconnected the battery.

Next day I first tried the relay as I had a spare. No change. So I then pulled the shifter apart. I tested the signal to the solenoid from the relay and Body Control Module. Signal was working but solenoid wouldn't activate. I cleaned the solenoid plunger and lubricated it. It then began to work. However I didn't trust it.....

Before I put it all back together, I drilled a hole in the lock pawl and ran a "safety release" wire into the center console after drilling a small hole at the front of the console. I considered just eliminating the lock pawl but didn't want to totally disable the Shifter Interlock system. On several occasions that safety release wire came in handy as the interlock malfunctioned a few times. See this thread for additional info and photos of the release wire....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?113856-2008-Cant-get-out-of-PARK&highlight=interlock

If you decide to take it apart you may also want to inspect the shift cable plastic bushing. I also got stranded once when that failed. Post #10 shows the photos when I replaced mine....

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c6-corvette-general-discussion/4039666-strange-thing-happened-this-morning.html

Also a long thread regarding the Park problem....

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c6-tech-performance/3196793-2005-c6-auto-s-stuck-in-park-solution-with-pics-6.html

Rich

[Mike M.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

mark: get rid of that 2009 and go back to where u started, the c-2's. they don't stick in park. regards,mike

[Mark L.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Mike, I was thinking the same thing. Why did things get so complicated. At any rate I got the console apart, got my heavy duty cutters out and cut that lock pawl out. I wonder if the NTSB police will make a visit! Couple months ago I had to replace the gas tank vent solenoid as it failed and of course now you get a CHECK ENGINE light. Thanks

[Joseph S.]

[Mark L.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

It's a wife accessory!

[Richard G.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

I have had the same issue on my 2006.
I am careful to hit the brake and then attempt to shift from park.
Seems to be working much better when I take my time.

The 2006 6o 2008 shifter is a different part number than your 2009.
One would have hoped GM would have address the issue with the replacement part.
Looks like no such luck.
Rick

[Vinnie P.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Hey...you guys better be careful how you treat #14, don't be cruel...today is his birthday!

[Patrick H.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Mike, I was thinking the same thing. Why did things get so complicated. At any rate I got the console apart, got my heavy duty cutters out and cut that lock pawl out. I wonder if the NTSB police will make a visit! Couple months ago I had to replace the gas tank vent solenoid as it failed and of course now you get a CHECK ENGINE light. Thanks

PV fail!

[Chuck G.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Mike, I was thinking the same thing. Why did things get so complicated. At any rate I got the console apart, got my heavy duty cutters out and cut that lock pawl out. I wonder if the NTSB police will make a visit! Couple months ago I had to replace the gas tank vent solenoid as it failed and of course now you get a CHECK ENGINE light. Thanks

I did the same thing on my 06 years ago except I used a Dremel tool. I've had zero problems since, but of course, the car won't lock in park when the engine is turned off.

Friends in my Corvette Clubs told me that the "cure" was to have the entire shifter replaced with an 08 and up model. They were "supposed" to have fixed that issue by then. Several did have their shifters replaced at a cost of $800 to $1000. I'm surprised to hear that your 09 did the same thing.

[Mark L.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Mike, Happy Birthday!! I hope you had a good day.

[Mark L.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Thanks Chuck. After the fact I did the research here and saw your comments about the "fix". I saw a lot of online comments about this problem and as you see it did not get fixed in the 09 model year. I understand there is something in the owners manual about how to get it out of park. I guess GM had better things to do back then instead of doing a recall...I believe the bankruptcy was ongoing then.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 2009 Corvette Stuck in Park

Thanks Chuck. After the fact I did the research here and saw your comments about the "fix". I saw a lot of online comments about this problem and as you see it did not get fixed in the 09 model year. I understand there is something in the owners manual about how to get it out of park. I guess GM had better things to do back then instead of doing a recall...I believe the bankruptcy was ongoing then.

Yes, there is a procedure in the owner's manual. You put the car in ACCESSORY mode using the ignition rocker switch... From there, I forget exactly the sequence of how it is done. After going through the process, you can pull the shifter out of Park, and you can start the car in Neutral. Haven't had to do it since I cut the pawl.

I did it many times before I got disgusted and cut the pawl off.

I'm also on shift cable #4 since I've owned the car.. One replacement at the dealership lasted only ~15 miles, until I got home.