Description & Operation: Introduction

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird, 2002 Chevrolet Camaro, 2001 Pontiac Firebird, and 2001 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The automatic transmission shift lock control system is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of Park when the engine is running. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the gearshift lever out of the Park position. The system consists of the following components:

Shift lock control solenoid.
Shift lock control switch (part of stoplamp switch).
Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch.

With the ignition switch in the ON position, battery voltage is supplied to the stoplamp switch. The circuit continues through the normally closed switch to the shift lock control solenoid. The PNP switch provides a path to ground in the Park position. With the shift lock control solenoid energized, the gearshift lever is mechanically locked in the Park position. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the contacts in the stoplamp switch open, de-energizing the shift lock control solenoid. This allows the gearshift lever to move from the Park position.