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'92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Huff
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May 2, 2009, 3:55 PM
Post #1 of 8
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'92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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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?
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
May 2, 2009, 4:07 PM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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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
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Huff
User
May 2, 2009, 4:35 PM
Post #3 of 8
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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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?
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Huff
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May 2, 2009, 4:38 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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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.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
May 2, 2009, 4:39 PM
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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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
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Huff
User
May 2, 2009, 4:42 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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Do you know anything about this "linkage" issue? how do I verify that this is the issue? and fix it?
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
May 2, 2009, 4:58 PM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: '92 Topaz cant get out of Park
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I just went through my site. Couldn't find any pictures. 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
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Huff
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May 2, 2009, 5:21 PM
Post #8 of 8
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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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