What to Do When the Changan Raeton P Gear Cannot Be Released?
3 Answers
The correct methods to unlock a stuck P gear are as follows: 1. Release the brake pedal, press it again, and then attempt to shift gears. If method 1 fails to unlock the P gear, proceed to method 2. 2. Slightly turn the steering wheel and then attempt to shift gears. If method 2 still fails to unlock the P gear, proceed to method 3. 3. Restart the engine, press the brake once more, and then attempt to shift gears. If method 3 still fails to unlock the P gear, proceed to method 4. 4. Open the hood, disconnect the battery, and then reconnect it. Restart the engine, press the brake once more, and then attempt to shift gears.
When encountering the situation where the Changan Raeton's P (Park) gear cannot be disengaged, I understand it can be a bit frustrating, but don't panic—try some basic troubleshooting first. A common issue is not pressing the brake pedal firmly enough, as modern vehicles are designed to prevent accidental operation for safety. From my experience, after getting in the car, press the brake pedal all the way down and check if the dashboard indicator lights up; sometimes, if the key isn't turned to the ON position, reopening the door and restarting the car might resolve it. Additionally, gently rocking the steering wheel can help, as occasionally the lock teeth get stuck, and a slight movement can release the gear. If these steps don’t work, it might be due to a faulty brake light switch or aging shift mechanism, in which case a visit to the repair shop is necessary—avoid forcing it out to prevent transmission damage. Regular checks on key battery and brake system health during routine driving can help prevent such issues proactively.
My Ruicheng also experienced a similar situation. When the P gear gets stuck, it's particularly annoying, especially when you're in a hurry. The first step is definitely to check your own operation: make sure the brake pedal is firmly pressed - sometimes I press too lightly and don't trigger the lock. Then verify the key is in the ACC or ON position, or try turning off the engine and restarting. Additionally, the door lock system is sometimes related to the gear lock - try opening and closing the door a few times to see if it can reset the mechanism. If none of these work, it's mostly likely an issue with internal components like sensors or fuses. Never use brute force as it might make things worse. I recommend directly contacting a 4S shop or roadside assistance - they can diagnose and fix it. As a driver, developing the habit of gently pressing the brake after starting can help reduce such incidents.
