(804) 379-4141  

There may come a day when you go to shift your vehicle out of “Park”, and the shifter refuses to move. Perhaps you are already experiencing this issue intermittently, or currently have a vehicle stuck in park. While this is a serious inconvenience, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem; let Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA put your mind at ease.

If your vehicle won’t shift out of park:

You most likely have a faulty brake light switch. While it seems like your transmission and brake lights aren’t related, they are; there’s a switch attached to the brake pedal which activates your lights when depressed, and the same switch activates a solenoid on your shifter to allow you to shift out of park. You can only shift out of park with the brake pedal depressed, and if your switch is bad, the vehicle doesn’t know you have the brakes held down. While it isn’t always the case, your brake lights will typically stop working if the transmission won’t shift. Have someone observe your brake lights while you push down the pedal...if they fail to illuminate, you’ve found your problem.

What should I do?

Consult your manual and see how to override the solenoid. On vehicles with the shifter built into the center console, there’s typically a small slot somewhere near the shifter. Pry the small cover off the slot and insert your key, with the brakes held down. Push the key down and hold it while you attempt to shift out of park. More than likely, the shifter will release; you can then put the transmission in neutral and start the vehicle. Keep in mind your brake lights won’t work, but it’ll get you out of a bind and into the repair shop.

Typically, brake switches are inexpensive to replace. If your car, truck, or SUV is having trouble when shifting out of park, our expert mechanics are ready to help. Our technicians can inspect, diagnose, and repair any transmission problem, on any vehicle. For professional service, trust Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service with all your repair and maintenance needs.



_________________

Thank you for visiting Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlothian, VA. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, or van on the roads longer and safer.

Schedule your appointment today BOOK NOW   |   CALL: (804) 379-4141

  • Now Hiring
  • Jasper Pref
  • 24-Hour Dropoff
  • Acdelco
  • Ari Fleet
  • ASE
  • BF Goodrich
  • BG Products
  • Bosch Automotive
  • Bridgestone Firestone
  • Cooper Tires
  • Diamond Eye Performance Exhaust
  • Donlen Fleet
  • Dunlop Tires
  • Element Fleet
  • Enterprise Fleet
  • Fleet Services
  • Flo Pro Performance Exhaust
  • Flowmaster
  • GE Capital Fleet
  • Goodyear
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Hankook Tires
  • Kelly Tires
  • Kids Play Area
  • LeasePlan Fleet
  • Magnaflow
  • MBRP
  • Michelin
  • MACS
  • Mastercraft
  • Motorcraft Parts
  • NAPA AutoCare Center
  • Pet Friendly
  • State Inspection
  • Sumitomo Tires
  • Tech-net
  • Tires
  • Towing
  • Toyo
  • Uniroyal
  • Veteran Owned
  • 24 Month Warranty
  • WEX Fleet
  • Wifi Available

Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service

900 Murray Olds Dr
Midlothian, VA 23114
Get Directions

location small (804) 379-4141
Email the Shop

SHOP HOURS

Weekdays:   7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Weekends: CLOSED

Make An Appointment


WEBSITE CHANGES

© Program, Brand & Specialty Pages, News Blog Content, Page Layout, and CMR EasyNews Programming by CMR, Inc a JSP Website or Top Auto Website

24-Hr Drop Form   |   ADA Accessibility   |   Job Application   |   Privacy Policy   |   Sitemap

ADD ARTICLE   |   LIS