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I have an automatic 2003 Acura el (basically a Honda civic with VTEC) with 193,000 km. I have multiple problems with this car but the most important one is that the car cannot recognize when it is park. I put it in park and it locks itself there, and won't let me out unless I use the override. So it is most likely in park but it won't say so on the dash. The kick in the *** is that since it cannot recognize park it will not allow me to take out the keys unless I disconnect the battery. This is a new problem that I think I caused when I accidentally ran the car momentarily with the parking brake or maybe it's the new off brand transmission fluid I put in? Also, it is important to note that I am fixing this car that has been sitting 4 years prior to my attempt to try and fix it.

Thanks, Eli

 
Rep Power: 133

I have the same car as yours but in black and the Touring trim.
I'd suggest you check the brake pedal position switch for failure. It is a plunger type switch at the brake pedal. The pad may have fallen off or the switch is toast. Easy fix if it is your problem. I can usually hear a small click in the shifter area when I press on the brake pedal.
I would not use any other ATF than the Honda DW-1. Always a drain and fill - never a flush.

 
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Thanks! I'm touring trim too!! Wish it was premium because I feel like the touring trim is really bland by Acura standards IMO. I have never noticed a click when I depress the brake pedal so I am deeply hoping this is the culprit. Also, I paid $90 for all the ATF I put in
(it was a Canadian tire brand that said it worked for Acura) so what I plan to do is drive for a little bit so I get some of my money's worth than switch to the dw1 since it costs about the same per quart.

 
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Sorry, one question. If I had a faulty brake pedal switch, would that mean the brakes wouldn't work? I checked the brakes out and they work great, especially with the rotors being rusted.

 
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Brakes would still work, brake lights might not.
Solenoid on the shifter, or the range sensor may be faulty.

 
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Just checked it out. Brake lights work perfectly. Any suggestions now?

 
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Did you check the other two things i mentioned?

 
Rep Power: 133

Also check fuse #10 (7.5A) in the Under-Dash Fuse/Relay Box which protects the Shift Interlock Solenoid as Colin42 mentions.

 
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Just checked it. No dice, works fine