Broken shift interlock override button ??

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by coolcat21

Hi guys,
I've just noticed that in my 2004 Toyota Allex (it's basically a corolla frame with all the yaris running gear, same tranny, engine, tyres, EPS, ABS, EBD , BA etc. etc.) the red shift interlock override button that's above the 'P' sign of the gear lever do absolutely nothing.

With the engine off, key not in ignition , and brakes not pressed , I can press the button just fine but the gear lever won't move out of park no matter what i do (whilst pressing the red button).

The gear lever button itself (the big main one) is in the locked position.

All other situations are as normal , if i put the key in acc/start and press the brake then i can move the lever from P to L just fine, and the gearshifts are fine too.

Is this something that's potentially gonna be expensive to repair ? Do you know what it could be ?
My personal mechanic doesn't know what it could be as even in his old toyota it works without pressing anything or entering the keys , just pressing the little button is fine.

Thanks in advance!

I am not sure on your car, but on the Yaris that button is simply a mechanical override for the solenoid that prevents the shifter from moving unless the brake pedal is pressed. On the Yaris it simply presses the lever that the solenoid would press when engaged. So, on your car it could be something like that lever being broken or out of position. Typically those small parts are not available separately, so in a worst case you would be looking at tracking down a shifter assembly from a wrecked car.