2003 GTA. Last week my 456M would not shift out of park. Bad timing too. Whilst parked and running in the middle of my street - while moving in the garbage cans (!!!) It was mechanically stuck and would not allow the shifter to come out of Park. After a few restarts and cycles through the alarm it finally shifted into drive. It did this once again the very next day at a restaurant and it really freaked me out. So I got on the books at FastCars. Cut to a week later and 25-30 starts later (and drives) it has not happened again even once. Even when I mess with it trying to get it stuck. What could possibly give ? Can’t be a sensor right ? I first called my local mechanic who actually has a GTA, he declined to tackle the job based on the number of associated ECU/sensors, wiring and the magnet, etc… Anyway I can “feel it” in the shifter when I PUNCH down on the brake (and vice versa if I yank the shifter, I feel it in the brake pedal) so they are certainly connected mechanically - somehow. I am thinking something is loose or “sloppy” leading to some play. I recently had my shift press down button and knob replaced. Uncertain if that would lead to any issues. How does a car fix itself ? Sounds mechanical to me. Thanks for any thoughts. Related thread. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/456m-gta-1999-stuck-in-park-and-button-on-shifter-doesnt-pop-up.563541/
It just never ends does it? I’m exhausted for us both. My stupid Instagram feed keeps showing me C6 corvettes with #HogA$$ cams…sounds amazing and they are all allegedly dead nuts reliable….. Back to the regularly scheduled topic….
Through use. The brake pedal switch plunger can get sticky and not extend when you push on the pedal. Spray a small amount of lubricant on the switch plunger. If it comes back, remove the switch and clean it properly with non residue spray, let it dry, then apply a small amount of lubricant. Then readjust the switch to make sure the plunger easily clears the contact point on the brake pedal when you push the pedal. Don't adjust it so that the brake lights come on with a 1/100th inch push of the pedal, otherwise your brake lights might flicker with temperature variations. If you don't have access to lubricants and cleaning sprays if you are out on the road, push the brake pedal, then manually manipulate the switch plunger a dozen times. Push and release quickly. Feel how strong the spring is in the switch. The spring may be weak, so you might need a new one. You may also have brake hydraulic issues. Sometimes the brake pedal doesn't move as much as it should and the switch doesn't extended fully when you push on the pedal.
Ian, its been 7 years since I was in Sydney....next time I'm buying dinner for all this amazing content/advice/help you are providing.....
And I will get the drinks. Thank you, as always, for the guidance. That’s funny, I have a rowdy 700HP (NA) C5 Corvette I keep down in Venice that does not get much usage. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Under the shift gate, there’s actually a mechanical stopper that physically blocks the shift rod unless the solenoid is activated. It’s kind of like a built-in safety feature. If you want to help your friend test it, here’s an easy way: carefully unscrew the shift gate plate (just go slow—there is a plastic strip attached to the rod that is super brittle and will break if you just blow on it). Once it’s off, you’ll be able to spot the stopper. Now, with the car on, try manually pressing the white button at the top of the brake pedal. If the stopper doesn’t retract when you press it, that’s a pretty good sign the switch might not be working. Hope that helps—good luck!
Thank you. Is it this stopper ? I understand that the magnet shown is activated by the digitek safety ECU via the brake pedal and then it activates the mechanism. I did share this with the shop. I am sure that even FastCars has not seen too many GTA’s with the same issue and this is great intel. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hat tip Qavion. FastCars (Amen to FastCars) determined the problem within 24 hours. Brake related, a contact point actually. They resolved it. Great crew. 456 repairs are not for the feint of heart. GTA transmission “repairs” even this one require another level of resolve & commitment. I am happy it was easily fixed. I had one reputable shop PASS on this job boys. Image Unavailable, Please Login
