sebtown

It happen again for the second time in a few weeks. I popped the little cover and pressed the override which worked fine. I am curious if there is an adjustment or if this portends thinks to come?

donaldp

Curiously, has this happened on a hill whereby you have let the car roll a bit after putting the car in park before using the parking brake? If so, this puts tremendous strain on the pin that holds the car in park and makes it extra hard to remove it from park.

sebtown

Nope, both times on flat and level. 1st time was morning in my garage and the most recent flat and level at my office when I left for home! Nothing has changed in my habits.

Slvrtp

Same thing happening to me with my '02 SC430. Level in the garage, and on 3 occasions recently Trans locked in Park. Solenoid?

Bgw70

perhaps...next time do this.
foot on brake,
hand off shifter
start engine
place in reverse

is it possible you are applying pressure to the shifter before you press the brake pedal?

Coleroad

Brake sensor switch could also be going on the fritz.

Jabberwock

Transmission lever normally won't come out of its Park position unless your foot is on the brake causing the transmission lever locking mechanism to release. I'd agree that first item to check is the brake sensor switch. The switch should activate a solenoid that moves the trans lever locking mechanism out of the way so the trans lever can be moved past Park position. I'd pull the console top cover off the next time it happens and see if the unlock mechanism is being triggered when the brake is applied.

ad5050

When that happened to my car (2003) at 150k it was the brake solenoid. Repaired that and hasn't happened since.

DshngDaryl

If his brake lights come on, would that be an indication his brake sensor switch is working?

Coleroad

absolutely