Shift indicator lights and power locks malfunctioning
#1
Shift indicator lights and power locks malfunctioning
The gear selector indicator lights on my center console are acting screwy. The 'Park,' 'Reverse,' and 'Neutral' lights don't turn on when the selector is in each position, but I know they aren't burnt out because every now and then I'll see them flash as I move the gear selector to 'Drive.'
This seems to be a symptom of a larger problem, because I don't think the car knows it is in 'Park' even though it is. I tried to do a CASE learn today and it wouldn't complete the procedure because "the gear selector was not in park" (according to the software we were using). Also, when I put the car in park and turn it off, all my doors don't automatically unlock every time. Sometimes the back doors remain locked even if the front doors unlock.
What do I need to check first? Do any of these symptoms have something in common?
This seems to be a symptom of a larger problem, because I don't think the car knows it is in 'Park' even though it is. I tried to do a CASE learn today and it wouldn't complete the procedure because "the gear selector was not in park" (according to the software we were using). Also, when I put the car in park and turn it off, all my doors don't automatically unlock every time. Sometimes the back doors remain locked even if the front doors unlock.
What do I need to check first? Do any of these symptoms have something in common?
#2
I had the same console light issue with my 92. The "lights" that you see in the gear shift selecter window are actually only one light. Basically, that light moves along a track to shine through the red lens. The light is mounted down below, on the track. The light rays are transmitted through light transmitting "hoses" into the red lens. There are connectors at either end of the "hose".
I readjusted the bulb on the track. All I had to do was move it up so that the light was aimed through the peep holes of each "hose".
Man, I wish I had some pictures......
It'* really not that complicated once you have it apart.
I readjusted the bulb on the track. All I had to do was move it up so that the light was aimed through the peep holes of each "hose".
Man, I wish I had some pictures......
It'* really not that complicated once you have it apart.
#3
The 92-95 gear selector is a different setup than the 96+..
96+ gets a signal from the transmission that tells it which fiber optic tube to light up as you shift.
Ben..in my recent issues, I've come across many interesting electrical tid bits. All of the engine sensors, and park neutral switch (including the shift lights) get their ground off the back of the engine about 2 inches to the driver side of the oil pressure sensor.
I would suggest cleaning that and the battery to engine grounds. While it may not help, it is a good maintenance item.
The easiest way to get at the oil pressure sender and that ground on the back of the motor is through the PS wheel well. I did it from underneath, it would be worth pulling the tire though.
96+ gets a signal from the transmission that tells it which fiber optic tube to light up as you shift.
Ben..in my recent issues, I've come across many interesting electrical tid bits. All of the engine sensors, and park neutral switch (including the shift lights) get their ground off the back of the engine about 2 inches to the driver side of the oil pressure sensor.
I would suggest cleaning that and the battery to engine grounds. While it may not help, it is a good maintenance item.
The easiest way to get at the oil pressure sender and that ground on the back of the motor is through the PS wheel well. I did it from underneath, it would be worth pulling the tire though.
#4
Would it be easy to access if the car were on a lift? I'll be using one on Saturday, so if I can get to those grounds I'll do it then.
So it sounds like this could be part of my problem? Perhaps the car doesn't know it'* in Park?
So it sounds like this could be part of my problem? Perhaps the car doesn't know it'* in Park?
#5
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,127
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From: Westerville, Ohio 2000 Black SSEi
Originally Posted by big_news_1
Would it be easy to access if the car were on a lift? I'll be using one on Saturday, so if I can get to those grounds I'll do it then.
So it sounds like this could be part of my problem? Perhaps the car doesn't know it'* in Park?
So it sounds like this could be part of my problem? Perhaps the car doesn't know it'* in Park?
#8
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll have to dig into it on Saturday when the Minnesota guys come down.
It just seems like one thing after another with this car. I guess that'* par for the course when you're dealing with a 9 year-old vehicle... things just tend to break.
It just seems like one thing after another with this car. I guess that'* par for the course when you're dealing with a 9 year-old vehicle... things just tend to break.
#9
Originally Posted by willwren
Sounds to me like the P/N safety switch and/or shifter cable. This is a mechanical adjustment issue, not electrical.
With all the times Ben'* motor and things have been off, I'd be looking at the wiring because it is a possibility. Now if I knew of the transmission being out, then I would have started with the cable adjustment.
Both are likely candidates, it'* probably the cable adjustment though.