2008 Chevrolet Impala Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Repair Whitmore Lake MI

2008 Chevrolet Impala

This 2008 Chevrolet Impala had an automatic transmission gear shift lever that would not move out of the Park position. It was diagnosed as a broken wire leading to the shift interlock solenoid. This simple repair was a relief for a customer expecting an expensive transmission repair.

In This Article:

Introduction
Diagnosis
Cause
Repair
Cost
Recommended Repair Service Shop
Reviews

Diagnosis

Our Chevrolet technician performed a scan tool diagnostic test, found error codes stored in the vehicle computer, and verified that the transmission shift lock solenoid was not activating as reported by the scan tool.

Next, the technician performed a mechanical and visual inspection of the shift lock mechanism, finding no problems.

Then, the power shift interlock solenoid was tested with an external ground and power source, and the solenoid was found to function correctly. This pointed to a problem with the wiring to or from the interlock solenoid.

Next, the ground and power wires from the brake switch were tested and found to be good.

Then, the technician traced the wiring harness, looked for damage to the wiring, and performed end-to-end pinpoint testing of each wire. They found the shift interlock solenoid ground wire was broken at the wiring harness connector. 

The technician photographed the broken wire and reported his diagnostic findings to the service advisor. He recommended that the shift interlock wiring harness connector be replaced. Our service advisor created an estimate for repair, including photos of the broken wire, and contacted the vehicle owner. The vehicle owner approved the repair, which was completed the same day.

2008 Chevrolet Impala shift interlock solenoid wire broken
Yellow circle highlights broken auto transmission shift interlock solenoid wire on 2008 Chevrolet Impala

Cause

A broken wire in this location is very rare. It is inside the vehicle and well-protected by carpet and interior trim panels. There is no way the wire could be broken or become corroded with normal vehicle use. Most likely, the wire was defective since the vehicle was new, either having a manufacturing defect or was damaged when the car was assembled. Another possibility is the wire was broken during a collision or when the damage was repaired. The wire worked for a while, then finally failed from normal vehicle vibrations. No one will know exactly why this wire broke—another one for the auto repair mystery file.

Repair

The technician removed the necessary components to access the wiring harness and removed the faulty shift interlock wiring connector. Then, they prepared the wiring harness for the new connector wires, attached the new connector wires, and sealed the wiring repairs. Next, the technician tested the gear shift interlock to verify it was now working correctly and the problem was fixed. The last step was to reassemble components removed during repairs.

Cost

The cost of this repair job was difficult to estimate. A large part of the job was diagnosis, which is billed in blocks of time. Electrical problems can involve significant amounts of time removing parts to access wires and components that need to be tested. Once the problem is found, a repair price can usually be estimated. Each vehicle and repair problem is unique and difficult to estimate.

Recommended Chevrolet Repair Shop Near Ann Arbor, MI

If you have an automotive electrical problem, transmission problem, or mystery problem, State Street Auto Service in Whitmore Lake, MI., near Ann Arbor, MI., is your go-to auto repair shop.

Contact State Street Auto Service for all Chevrolet service and repair in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. Our Chevrolet technicians have the skill and experience to diagnose and repair your Chevrolet Impala problems correctly. We are a Chevrolet service specialist.

State Street Auto Service

Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
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