hello,

i have a 99tl-p with about 97k miles. as u can see from the title i can't shift out of park without using the override thing. is this a common issue? how much should it cost to fix?

also, in the 2-3 shift, it seems the rpms occasionally go up a hundred rpm before dropping for the shift at light throttle. perfectly smooth, i only notice because i watch the tach, and it doesn't happen at larger throttle openings, or when the car is warm. wtf does that mean? i thought the 2-3 shift was the weak part of the tranny and id rather get rid of the car before it actually fails...car was purchased in aug with abt 93k, carfax showed the guy i bought it from (2nd owner) put about 60k on it in 2.5 years, so id presume mostly highway, car is on 2nd trans (replaced at 18k miles).

have already had to replace the rear view mirror, then the funny shifting, now this...worried i've bought a white elephant here....

anyway, thanks for your help!

 

Your shift problems is probably the brake switch. Have some one push on your brake pedal and see if your lights brake lights work. Also check the brake fuse.

As for the trans 2-3 shift it may be a early indicator of trans failure. Whats your trans fluid look like? when was it last changed?

 

i agree with kris.

 

^ just had the same problem myself, turned out to be the brake switch. was about 120 from acura but a lot of people on here do it themselves, check the d.i.y section

 

aftermarket brake light switch are fine to use as replacement $45

When the car wont come out of park without the override-use the key-its designed for it- push straight down into the override slot and shift to N then start car

its just like kris/fsttyms1 said
Check ALL the brake light bulbs are working, so you know the system is ok,
then check the switch behind the brake pedal, Sometimes you can spray crc electrical contact cleaner on it and make it work for a while, or it may have come loose somehow.
Check both and one of them is the problem-
no brake lights= circuit problem/fuse- so the car wont let you drive off without having brakelights~

 

thanks for your replies. i checked the trans fluid and it was sort of maroon looking...did not smell like anything i could detect. when i had it inspected before buying it in aug at 93k, the tech said it looked like new fluid.

as for the brake switch...the brake lights are not coming on at all (taillights turn on with the headlights on, but no difference when hitting the brake pedal). where exactly is this switch i'm supposed to clean?

thanks again!

 

never mind, found it in the diy. also the fuse is perfect looking. if i feel adventuresome ill try replacing this thing...

 

well i felt ambitious and was able to replace the switch, and now everything works perfectly! thanks to all who helped.

 

thats why we have this great forum