Rep Power: 0

Hey guys... I'm buying a car from my old brother and its a Automatic 2000 4dr Civic. The car turns on fine, but it won't come out of Park and its like the only way to get the car out of Park is to put duplicate key in the gear shift thing while theres already on in the ignition to put the car in Drive or Reverse. Does anyone know what the problem might be? This is actually my first car and I really want this car. Can someone please help me? I just want to know what the problem is before I take it to the dealer. Thank you.

 
Rep Power: 328

"99.9% chance: replace the brake switch behind the pedal

Very rarely will the solenoid in the console will go out, but go ahead and replace the brake switch. they are cheap and only require a 12mm wrench to take out.
you can have someone check the brake lights while u hit the brake. if the brake lights are not coming on then it is definitely the switch, but that really isnt guaranteed.
perhaps try tapping the pedal and see if you can here the console 'click'. or hold the pedal down and give some moderate hits to the center console and see if the solenoid is sticking. it is just to the left of the shifter.

but over the net i can only recommend changing that switch and going from there if neither of those work."

This was a quote lifted from another forum. So those hard asses out there don't knock me for the grammatical errors....

 
Rep Power: 0

The brake lights do work and what is the soleniod?

 
Rep Power: 328

It is what unlocks the gear shifter on the automatic.
Do you hear a clicking, coming from the center console, when you hit the brake?

 
Rep Power: 0

i can check. so just go inside the car and press the brakes to see if i hear a clicking sound?

 
Rep Power: 328

That is correct!