How do you fix an Aveo that will not let you shift out of park?

Answer 1

Answer for shift lock sticking

I have an 04 Aveo and about 6 months ago my shifter would not get out of park unless you use the shift lock key. I found what the problem was by accident, but once I found the problem it makes total sense. Basically, one day I realized my brake lights were not going on, and after diagnosing the problem it appeared the brake switch was faulty. Once I replaced the brake switch, not only did it fix my brake light problem, but it also fixed my shifter problem. It's been about 5 months since the brake switch was replaced, and I never had the problem since. I think what was going on was since the brake switch was faulty, the car was not recognizing that you were pressing the brakes. Since you are not able to get the shifter out of park unless you are stepping on the brakes, it really makes total sense. But if I did not find this out by accident I don't know whether I would have been able to diagnosis it. I hope this is the problem you are having because it is a VERY cheap and easy fix - the switch is a $5 part and anyone can replace it.

After reading this, I was able to find and fix (although temporarily) the same problem with my daughter's 04 Aveo. Here is some more detail of the problem. First make sure that it is the brake switch by checking to see if the brake lights do not come on when the brake pedal is depressed. If the brake lights do come on, then the brake switch is OK - look elsewhere.

To remove the brake switch, slide the seat back and look above the curved bar to which the brake pedal is attached. The switch is black plastic with a white label with the letters WA in black. Disconnect the wires by firmly squeezing the white connector on the wide side and pull it off. To get the switch out of the metal bracket, rotate the switch 90 degrees and pull it out. To take the plastic switch case apart, pry apart at the parting line under the two triangles). Inside, there are two metal contacts. Push them out by pushing on the terminal blades from the end that the wires were connected. One of these two connectors is spring loaded on a flat spring and one is not. File the round disk connector pads (similar to ignition points). I found that the electrical resistance between the flat spring and its contactor disk was high, meaning that is was not properly closing the circuit - THE ROOT CAUSE!. So, I re-squeezed the riveted pad with a heavy duty pliers. The resistance (as measured with an ohmmeter) should go from infinity to 0 as the switch is activated. If this is the case, re-assemble, re-install, and then PURCHASE A NEW ONE. This is a dealer only part. Most auto parts stores can't get it for you. What we have done is a temporary fix.