Okay, here's the situation, As we drove to the store and found parking, I wne to shift the car from Drive to Park, and found that the shift control would not go to Park. I steped on the brake as I always do, and it still would go to Park, It took A lot of force to force the car into park. Finally parked and car off, I restarted the car and tried to reverse, So as I always, turn the car on with foot onthe brake and proceeded to move the shift from Park to Reverse, it was locked up, the shift lever would not go to Reverse. It tool both hands to move the lever to reverse and then to drive. Car runs fine, brakes work, but this evening, when I step on the brakes, the brakes lights in the back do not come on. There is brake fluid inthe car, and it was just in for its 18,000 mile service a month ago. Just hit 19,000, any suggestion would be helpful. I will take to dealership Monday morning. This should all be under the 100,000 miles coverage right?

E-mail me at albopooh@aol.com with any suggestions to look for.

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As you are aware, the shifter is normally locked in park or neutral while the car is parked. To move the shifter, you have to step on the brake pedal. The brake light switch not only lights up the rear brake lights, but also activates a solanoid that actually unlocks the shifter mechanism. Your brake light switch is bad or the wiring to the switch has become disconnected. By forcing the shifter under these conditions, you have likely damaged the solanoid or related mechanics. Repair of the switch has been covered for other forum members by the 5 year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Repair of any damage you may have caused by forcing the shifter likely is not covered. FYI, page 5-14 of your owners manual explains the lock mechanism with instructions on how to release the lock without damaging the shifter.

 

Hi, we did follow the directions in the manual of opening the shiftlock release and inserting a key/screwdriver in that slot to release the shifter. Itstill didn't release as easlily when it worked. But it will go to the dealership on Monday. Thank You for the information.Where should I look to find that brake switch or tosee if it has been disconnected?

 

Explain to the dealer service manager that you did attempt to override the lock as described in the manual.

Here is a link to a recent forum discussion regarding the same problem on an Accent.

https://www.hyundaiforum.com/m_16443...1/tm.htm#16461

The basic layout and relationships of the switch to the pedal and the wiring are very similar.

Good luck.

 

Last Question, Since I can drive the car, should I just drive it to the dealershipor go ahead and have the car towed and avoid any other issues? Thank You again.

 

You will not damage the car by driving it, but remember you have no brake lights. It would be silly to suffer $1,000 of dollars in damage to the car or you might be injured if some one collides with you all because of a bad brake light switch.

 

I agree, that's why I will only drive it to the dealership going back roads and less traffic. I've secured the extra car my folks have for today. The dealership is like 2 miles away.

 

Sounds like a reasonable plan. Drive with your flashers on and have one of your folks follow you in another car at safe distant to keep others from tailgating too close. It's only two miles, but you never know how other drivers will act.

Good luck.

 

Better yet have the Folks car drive behind you to the dealer since you need it anyway after dropping the car off.
Good luck and post back on your findings.