I have recently had my gear shift handle get stuck. It seems that stepping on the brake does not disengage the lock. However, if I stick a pen or a long object into the hole to the right of the gear shifter, it seems to disengage the lock. Once its moved from the "P" position i have no trouble shifting gears. I have a 2000 TL, automatic transimisson.

I have heard that this may be due to the "brake switch" or something like that, and also using a spare key that has not been obtained from a licensed dealer or configured to use with the car's security system. I have also heard that somehow "cruise control" may be involved in causing this problem.

However, all my keys were obtained from a licensed Acura dealer and configured for my car, my brake lights seem to work just fine, and I'm not sure how the cruise control might be involved in this and how to check that.

Any help with this issue is appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

The switch that usually goes bad is the brake light switch and it also has the cruise control stop feature built in. Are you sure that the brake lights work fine on the car?

 

I have totally the same symptom from my daughter's 99 integra ls with 108k. It just happened today while she trying to improve her skills in parallel parking. {we purchased the car a couple of weeks ago. 108K miles].
Can the break switch be easily replaced , w/ novice skills?

thanks in advanced
upoy

 

I don't believe it's the brake swtich. Simple check, have someone see if your brake lights come on when depressing the brake pedal. If it comes on, then it's your shift-lock solenoid, located by the gear selector.

 

thanks shawnhu, found an exposed wire in the brake light harness [rear driver side] which causes a short ... fuse for horn/brake light blown out.