Hello all, I am working on my parents 2000 dodge stratus 2.4l automatic and it will not shift out of park. I have disconnected the shift cable from the transmission and it does shift manually. I would think that there is some safety that is stopping it from shifting but im not sure. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Usually a shift interlock mechanism around the shifter. Pull the console off and have a look. You are pressing the brake before trying to shift, right? You did not state that and we are not mind readers. The more info you provide makes helping you easier. Welcome to the forum.

 

Pressed the brake with the key in the on position with the shift boot off I can see the lock mechanism move down when I press the button on the shifter. Is there another safety in the system besides the locking mechanism at the shifter and the cable that runs to the ignition switch?

 

Are your brake lights turning on? I wonder if your brake switch could be faulty. I had Ford Taurus that you had to push the pedal almost to the floor before it would actually allow the shift. Once the brake switch was changed, it was fine. I know you state you can see the linkage move, but if it's not tripping a sensor properly, that could be what's going on.

 

I did replace the brake light switch and it did not change anything