yeah, its probably that interlock causing the problem. I'm not really familiar with how to fix it because my durango doesn't have it (they didn't add the interlock until 2001) but that's most likely the problem

 

yeah I'm guessing its loose or the rod that locks is loose. either way it needs fixing. I'm hoping to get it fixed Tuesday. since i have finals here i've been studying mostly.

anyone else with info on a part number or something to help me locate one?

 

this is a pretty simple 2 part fix IME, this problem is different from the recall, the recalled trucks had the interlock fail completely, it would let you shift without pushing on the brake. (i would still go to the dodge.com/owners site and put in your VIN if you want o know if you truck is affected)

your problem is a lubrication problem with the interlock, pull the rubber boot off the shifter lever (where it goes into the column) and you should see a little bar that moves to unlock the shifter and let you out of park, if it gets stuck pull the boot off and give this a little bit of a push and it will get you going again. the CORRECT fix for this is to lubricate the assembly, i use an aresol silicon based lubricant because it repels moisture and is nearly immune to temperature changes, http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-80070.../dp/B000HBM5S2

you can also unplug the brake light switch above the brake pedal (with the engine off of course, and the e-brake on), and then shift the trans into neutral, plug the switch back in so you have brake lights and then start the truck in neutral, unplugging the brake switch releases this mechanism for some reason better than just pushing on the brake. So while the switch is off clean out the contacts with aerosol contact cleaner.


also please use reputable sites for your reference in the future, that one that you posted is NOT, the 42le was not in these trucks, and the torqueflight 3 speed was never in these trucks either, these trucks came with the 42 RE (with the v6, so 98 only iirc), 44RE(5.2) 46RE(5.9) and 45RFE(00-02 4.7) and 545RFE (02-03 4.7s)

 

So i just need to lubricate the mechanism? ok and thanks for the info sharp. much appreciated. I'll check that out on dodge.com/owners sometime if i can remember. lol

and you mentioned to trans for the 2002 4.7 which one do we have with the slt+ i always thought it was the 545rfe? but this is off topic

 

your trans will depend on when in the 2002 MY your truck was built, trucks built at the beginning of the model year got the 45, trucks built at the end got the 545 (i have the 545 in mine, manuf date 2/02) check your glove box it should say which you have, 4 speed multi-speed or 5 speed mutli-speed auto. It is purely based on date and not trim level, officially 2002 never got the 545, bc they made the switch so late in the production run, but in fact some did.

 

I have the same issue. There is a safety button on the inside that sticks. When you turn your key to run.. this button pops in allowing the lever to move. When you turn the key back off the button pops out causing it not to come out of park when the car is not on. You have to pop the rubber off from the bottom of the lever, just pops out very easily and use your finger to manually disengage it. Guess im too late on the reponse but it took me forever to figure this out!

 

I'll check that sometime sharp thanks.

And dodge girl popping the "button" back in all it takes? or will it continue to pop out? mine works sometimes and doesnt the others. its only when you push the shifter in towards the steering column that you hear a "click" and then it works.

 

shes talking about the same piece that i am, its a little metal bar that slides into the assembly, once oyu open it up you will know what we are talking about, you will have to do it everytime the thing sticks, its a lack of lubrication that causes it to stick.

 

I thought so sharp. and every time huh? You make it seem like this will be a common reoccurring issue. lol OK well thanks for the help guys. I'll get it figured out Tuesday hopefully once my finals are done. =/

 

Yea everytime i pull out of the driveway i have to push that little button in but hey! When you dont have money to spend on parts that dont need fixin why fix? Good luck on the finals! Finished mine all up today!!