1993 SC400 CAN'T GET GEARSHIF TO MOVE OUT OF PARK, HAD BRAKE WORK DONE AND REAR AXEL REPLACED. BRAKE LIGHT STAY ON. SHIFT MOVES FROM BOTTOM OF CAR BUT NOT INSIDE WHEN STEP ON BRAKE

 

MZ, welcome to ClubLexus

Yur post doesn't belong here - it goes in the SC forum where I'm moving it now.

Please also take off the CAPS LOCK when typing - it appears that you are shouting when many people read it online.

 

There is a linkage that runs from a switch right under the brake pedal to the console and hooks up with the shift mechanism. A small lock under the shift lever prevents the lever ( when working properly ) from coming out of PARK until the ignition is either full on or the engine is running. Pressing the brake pedal normally results in a quiet, almost inaudible "click" as the rod from the brake pedal releases the shift handle. If the brake-pedal mechanism, for whatever reason, does not release the lever, check the Owners' Manual. There should be an emergency switch built into the console to release the lever without the brake pedal. 10-15 years ago, most cars had a plastic slide switch that you just slid with your fingers....newer cars have a small pop-up cap on the console that you flip oven and stick a screwdriver down the hole and pop the release switch manually. If your car does not have a emergency release switch, or if that switch STILL doesn't work, then the car might have to be towed to a repair shop.

The fact that you said that brake work was done opens up the possibility, but not the certainty, that the technicians messed the release linkage up when they worked on the car.

( This whole brake-transmission interlock system is just one more Nanny safety device that resulted from the publicity given to the so-called " Unintended Acceleration " of the Audi 5000 some 20 years ago....back in 1985.)