Hi, I just purchased a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan Sports FWD with 58,000 miles. The car has been sitting in one spot for about 2-3 years. It hasn't move at all since then. I replaced the battery & checked if there is any engine oil inside the engine. The engine still run very smooth, no noise at all which I'm happy about.

Now, I was trying to bring the car out but I can't move the gear lever at all. It's stuck in P. I checked the transmission fluid & it's at the correct level in there. One thing I notice is the brake pedal though. When I stepped on the pedal, it felt like air inside the brake line. You can hear "Woosh" whenever you step on the brake pedal, like there is no pressure what so ever. I checked the brake fluid also & the fluid wasn't low either.

I'm trying to get the car tow but the tow truck can't get inside the driveway & I can't move the gear lever to N either. For the experts out there, what do you think could cause this problem? Any advice or suggestion would be really appreciated. Thank you.

 

sounds like the transmission lock in the ignition is giving you problems. Check to see if the steering wheel is unlocking by wiggling it left to right and then turn the key and then check to see if the shifter will move off "P".

 

Thanks for your fast response. My previous car was a Honda Accord with an automatic transmission. It has the feature where you can stick a key or a screw driver & you can by pass the shift lock. Is there anyway I can by pass the shift lock for the Grand Caravan? Thanks again.

 

i have know idea on how to bypass the lock......I guess just phone the nearest dealer and ask them....My 1991 is starting to have that problem and it has 250,000 kms on it.....

 

Oh, so you have the same exact problem like my 99? I can start the engine fine, the steering wheel wasn't lock but I just can't move the gear lever out of "P".

 

well its very hard to get out of park and when it does, it clunks, its like i am forcing it

 

I didn't want to force it yesterday because I'm afraid I would break something. Since the brake pedal doesn't feel right, could it be from there too? The brake pedal feel like a master cylinder problem though.

 

is it the model where you have to apply the brake pedal to get out of park???? if its the case, do you have a brake light coming on?...and yes it does sound like a master cylinder problem.....

 

Yea, it's the one with the shift lock feature as far as I know from the previous owner. The brake light came on whenever I press the brake pedal. So you think the master cylinder plays some role in this problem?

 

change the brake booster and the problem might be fixed... my 91 i dont have to apply the brake pedal of get it out of park.....good luck to you