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Hello everyone... I am hoping I can get some help here.

I have a 2002 Honda Civic LX and it keeps getting stuck in park. I have to pop the emergency release, with a screwdriver, to get it out. I already replaced the Brake Light Switch and that did not fix the problem. I checked all the fuses and none are blown. What else can be causing this problem? It happens intermittently. Could it be the shift-lock solenoid? If so, is there a way I can check if this part is faulty before I attempt to change it out?

Thanks,
Tracy

 
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The system for that interlock is pretty complex.... I would imagine if the coil winding for the release were open it would not be intermittent. If you could locate a connector leading to it you could reseat it.

And just to be sure next time it fails double check that your brake lights are working (the switch has 2 separate circuits btw)

 
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I don't completely understand your response. Are you saying it may not be the shift-lock solenoid? Also, the brake light switch has two different parts to it? I had the brake light switch done by Honda 2 years ago for this exact issue and it fixed it. Now it is intermittently getting stuck in park again so I replaced it myself but this time around the problem is still popping up

 
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You might want to pop the shifter covers where you can see the solenoid, it could be electrical...... or a mechanical issue with the solenoids release. You would need to know if it is getting voltage to the coil or not.

Brake switch..... has both a normally open and also a normally closed set of contacts. 1&2 = Brake circuit, 3&4 = Cruise circuit.

 
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Thank you, Craig :-) What is the proper way to pop the center console so I can get to this solenoid? I don't want to crack anything

 
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Did you use a factory (dealer) brake light switch?
About 93% here I find the brake lights did not work when the shifter didn't unlock.
Maybe 4% have had something sticky (Coffee/Soda) dumped into the shifter and gummed up the works.
LOL

Brake light switches seem to get intermittently flaky, meaning they sometimes work and sometimes don't.
(I once got a brand new *dealer* switch for Suzuki that was worse then the one I replaced!)

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I KNOW you said you replaced the switch, but before you jack with your console and get real deep, check if the brake lights work EVERY time. Backed up to a garage door or wall so you can see the lights shine is usually great, pump the brake pedal about 100 times and make sure they light up EVERY time..

And at the same time, when the shifter is in park (key ON), you should be hearing the shifter lock solenoid click every time too.

 
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Yes, I used a genuine Honda part. I will do what you instructed in regards to pumping the brake pedal. Aren't I a good girl? ha ha

 
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This happened to me when I replaced my AT. It was the "shift position indicator " thingy (can't remember the real name) on the transmission. The Service Manual had a troubleshooting section and I walked through, checked voltages, etc. In the end it was $70 and I was cruising again! If the brake switch and the shift lock solenoid don't end up being the culprit, it may be that.

 
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Trans range switch. Good thought.

OP: Is the "P" still lit up on the dash PRNDL display when the shifter won't release?

 
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Never looked to see if the P was lit up. I will be sure to check that next time it happens

 
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Hi everyone! I replaced the shift-lock solenoid and VOILA!! everything was running awesome for about 2 weeks and now.... stuck in park again!!!! ARRGGGHHHHH

I have noticed that when this issue happens, and I lock the car with my remote, the horn is either muffled or not working. It seems there is a relation between the car getting stuck in park and the horn. I have checked all the fuses and none of them are showing signs of being blown