can not put the car in park

[LaJoy]

If your car won't go into park, it's typically due to a problem with the shift interlock solenoid, a faulty brake light switch, a damaged shifter cable, or a malfunction within the transmission itself. The most immediate action is to ensure the vehicle is completely stopped and use the emergency brake to secure it. You should avoid forcing the shifter, as this can cause further damage.

The shift interlock is a critical safety feature that prevents the shifter from being moved out of Park unless the brake pedal is pressed. If the solenoid that controls this mechanism fails, it can also prevent the shifter from entering Park. A related and common culprit is the brake light switch. If this switch fails, the car's computer doesn't receive the signal that the brake is applied, effectively locking the shifter.

For automatic transmissions, a mechanical linkage cable connects the shifter to the transmission. If this cable stretches, breaks, or comes disconnected, the shifter will move freely but won't actually change the transmission's gear. Internal transmission issues, while less common, are more serious and require professional diagnosis.

Potential Cause	Typical Symptoms	Estimated Repair Cost (USD)
Faulty Brake Light Switch	Shifter stuck, brake lights not working	$75 - $200
Failed Shift Interlock Solenoid	Shifter stuck in Park or won't go into Park	$150 - $400
Broken Shifter Cable	Shifter moves loosely, no gear engagement	$200 - $500
Low Transmission Fluid	Slipping gears, overheating, won't engage	$100 - $300 (flush/fill)
Internal Transmission Fault	Grinding noises, burning smell, leaks	$1,500 - $4,000+

The safest course of action is to not drive the vehicle. Have it towed to a trusted mechanic. They can perform a diagnostic scan to check for electronic faults related to the brake switch and then perform a physical inspection of the shifter linkage and transmission components.

[VanElijah]

Happened to my old truck last year. Turns out it was just the little plastic piece on the shifter that had cracked. I couldn't press the button down all the way to get it into park. A bit of jerry-rigging with a zip tie got me by until the new part came in the mail. Sometimes it's the simplest, cheapest thing. But definitely get it checked out to be sure.

[ElleLee]

This is a serious safety issue. The primary function of "Park" is to engage a pin inside the transmission (called a parking pawl) to lock the wheels. If this fails, the vehicle could roll away. Your immediate priority is to secure the car. Always engage the emergency parking brake fully before turning off the engine. This is a good reminder to use your parking brake every time you park, as it provides a redundant safety system independent of the transmission's Park function.

[LeGia]

From a mechanical standpoint, start with the easiest checks. Are your brake lights working when you press the pedal? If not, it's likely the brake light switch—a cheap and easy fix. Next, look around the shifter for a small override slot. Many cars have a plastic cover you can pop off to insert a key or screwdriver, manually releasing the shifter lock so you can move it to Park. This can get you home, but the root cause still needs fixing.