Shift Knob Doesn't want to switch into gear (Drive)

[leehinde]

My shift knob has frequently been a little wonky. Sometimes it would stick trying to get it into gear. But starting las night it got more serious. I can get into reverse without any problem. But when I try to get into drive the knob acts like it's physically blocked. I need to do some serious wiggling. Wiggling sounds innocuous, but it's wiggling with force.

Heading off to the dealer today and hoping they have the time and part to replace it.

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[Adventureboy]

That is a strange one, since the knob itself is just a sensor trigger that spins on the sensor module. Hopefully you are still covered under warranty.

 

[B177y]

Could be something weird like the brake pedal switch or the communication between the brake pedal and shift module getting wonky and not telling the gear knob that your foot is on the brake.

 

[leehinde]

I figured dust or cookie crumbs or something had fallen into something and was jamming things up. That was my technical insight.

Of course, after struggling with it last night it was fine this morning.

I have an extended warranty. If this comes back as a can't reproduce I'm going to pay them to swap it out anyway. It's not worth my time to make multiple trips to the dealer or waiting for it to fail again and then having to deal with it.

 

[leehinde]

Could be something weird like the brake pedal switch or the communication between the brake pedal and shift module getting wonky and not telling the gear knob that your foot is on the brake.

It does turn and I had an easier time getting into reverse than drive. But, that said, I hope it's not something weird.

 

[leehinde]

Also, dealers, man.

Local dealer couldn't get me in until next Wednesday. This is the dealer that replaced my front motor when it went out and who never once gave me an ETA that they met until it was actually done.

Did an online appointment with a dealer "downtown" who got me in this morning. They gave me a Lyft home.

They say they'll look today. If I actually get a fixed car today, I've got a new dealer of choice.

 

[kennelh]

There is an OTA in the wild (GSM-26.2651B) which states "Software Update - Rotary Shifter Improvements. We've made some background quality refinements to your vehicle's Gear Shift Module." Any chance you've received that?

 

[leehinde]

Any chance you've received that?

Yes, on the 7th, this month.

 

[leehinde]

Dealer can't duplicate the problem. I'm sympathetic. They can't fix (and charge for) what they can't duplicate.

 

[Mark813]

I was thinking brake switch related as well as door jamb switch possibly. One of these malfunctioning where you can't shift if they think a door is open or the brake isn't depressed could cause shifter issue.

But if the dealer can't reproduce the issue I'm wondering like you if sand or something got there or similar

 

[leehinde]

But if the dealer can't reproduce the issue I'm wondering like you if sand or something got there or similar

Dog hair.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Dog hair obviously won't be covered by warranty. You could always just pay to replace it if it continues to be an issue.

Part # NJ8Z-7P155-C MSRP $233

 

[JohnFoxeSheets]

Sadly the labor costs to replace the switch would very likely far exceed the part cost.... Especially in California. But if there is a faulty switch elsewhere that's causing the problem, then it would be for naught, which would really suck. I recently experienced a similar problem, though in my case it was that I'd forgotten to unplug the car!

Hoping you find a solution soon.

 

[Mark813]

Dog hair obviously won't be covered by warranty. You could always just pay to replace it if it continues to be an issue.

Part # NJ8Z-7P155-C MSRP $233

Part looks like it could be plug and play if you are slightly mechanical or is there more to it?

Obviously taking apart center console but wondering if you need fdrs account to recognize it etc.

 

[leehinde]

Dog hair obviously won't be covered by warranty. You could always just pay to replace it if it continues to be an issue.

Part # NJ8Z-7P155-C MSRP $233

Sadly the labor costs to replace the switch would very likely far exceed the part cost.... Especially in California. But if there is a faulty switch elsewhere that's causing the problem, then it would be for naught, which would really suck. I recently experienced a similar problem, though in my case it was that I'd forgotten to unplug the car!

Hoping you find a solution soon.

Since they charged me for the diagnosis already they said they'd give me a break on the install. I'll probably do that in the next week or so.

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