I have had this guy into the dealer twice for this issue and it is still unresolved. The shifter lever is intermittently stuck in park and appears to free up only after I move the tilt wheel a couple of times. So far this works, but one of these days I'm gonna be "stranded at the drive-in". Anyone have any ideas I can pass on to the service dudes? So far, they have replaced the "neutral safety switch" and adjusted the shift cable.

 

Don't know what to tell ya. That sucks that you can't get it to work right. I've never heard of that happening.

 

Took it in today and they said they "think" replacing the steering column "might fix it. Also, my extended warranty won't cover the $700 part. Needless to say that this truck is history. It's my first and last Dodge product. I'll be in a Jap vehicle by Xmas.......

 

Old thread, it's happening to me. Once in a while, seems like more often in freezing temps. Few times, pressed the brake pedal harder and it came out of park. Isn't there a safety interlock that foot has to be on brake before you can shift out of park? Is it a mechanical or electrical interlock? Right now, my truck in stuck in park at work and it won't budge. Please help

 

Found old thread, https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...k-in-park.html, without a resolution, not sure it is same issue. It's happening to me, truck stuck in Park. Once in a while, seems like more often in freezing temps. Few times, pressed the brake pedal harder and it came out of park. Right now, my truck in stuck in park at work and it won't budge.

Isn't there a safety interlock that foot has to be on brake before you can shift out of park? Is it a mechanical or electrical interlock?

Please help!

 

What year is your Dakota?

Some later years have a brake interlock. It's electrical. A solenoid is activated so that you can move it out of park only while the brake is applied.

I know up until 2001 at least didn't have it.

FYI, I merged the two threads.

 

Sorry forgot to put year in, it is a 2001.

 

Thought it may be electrical, got it towed to buddies shop, I have to travel this week and don't have time to fix. Thanks

 

pull the rubber boot out, and undo the 2 screws holding the clamshell column cover together. You don't have to disco the battery. There is a slide pin that pulls out to unlock the shifter when you turn the key on. This pin gets locked up. Grease it and you're good to go.

 

Thanks, that was it the stupid interlock for the ignition switch, all better.