Why will my 2002 Honda Accord not shift into park?

Question

I can literally shift it into the park position, but it's not acting like it is in park. Even when I have it "shifted" to park, I cannot start the car. I can only start it in Neutral. When it is in the park position, the park light doesn't come on, and I can easily shift it down to reverse or...

Answer 1

Probably something misaligned in your shift linkage.

Answer 2

Dirt, sticky from could be inside the gear console. Try carefully taking off the cover and clean gear shifter. Of course do not use cleaners or water. If that does not work then you may have a worn shift linkage.

Answer 3

It’s old

Answer 4

1. It is a Honda.
2. It is 16+ years old.
3. I cannot see your car from where I am.
4. You seem to think it might be something you can fix yourself, Wrong!
5. You need the services of a Mechanic.
6. People often buy older cars and high mileage cars because they are short of cash and/or credit. This does not work because older cars need more frequent repairs. Older cars are frequently owned by Mechanics who will fix them up someday. The problem is that if they are actually competent mechanics they are too busy fixing things for other people so their car never gets fully and properly repaired.

Answer 5

The linkage is either damaged or out of adjustment or the shaft bushing has failed. It's not a repair job for the average non-mechanic to tackle.

Answer 6

Have the shifter adjusted.

Answer 7

That era Honda was notorious for the shift bushings wearing out. That sounds like your problem. If you want to handle it yourself Rockauto has a bushing set for the linkage.

Answer 8

I'd start with replacing the range switch on the tranny.

Answer 9

1. The switch is loose. 2.The shift linkage is broken. It will need to be opened up and diagnosed. Open hood and go out to the trans switch and watch it while another goes through the gears. Over your head? Tow it in.

Answer 10

Check for a bad park/neutral switch (transmission range sensor).