AT wont shift with brake applied

[oleman77]

Guys, I have a problem that I cant seem to figure out how to fix it. Once in a while after start up I apply the brake and it wont shift out of park. I know there is something that will not allow it to shift out of park unless the brake is applied I just don't know the name. Does anyone know what that is called? I need to troubleshoot it because it has left me stranded a few times. I can hear something clicking when I apply brake and when I hear it I can shift from park just fine but when I don't hear it thats when it wont allow it so I'm sure its fixable. Anyone have any advice?

[James614]

There's the shift lock solenoid, which you hear clicking when its working. This is normal operation. It gets its signal to open (and let you shift) from the brake light switch, mounted over the brake pedal. I would check and see if your brake lights work when you can't shift. If they don't, its probably the brake light switch. If they do, its probably the shift lock solenoid. I got both from a JY for $5 a few years ago. The brake light switch went bad on the 91 we used to have, giving us the same problem.

[oleman77]

Great, thanks so much for the help!

[Legacy777]

The switch is just a switch. There is a separate controller that handles the shift lock system. It's located up under the dash. I would suggest checking the brake switch as James suggested as well as the wiring and solenoid. I've got links to diagrams on my site.

http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/swa ... #shiftlock