Hello,
I have an 89' honda accord dx with a safety lock on my automatic steering column( if the car is not turned on then there is a key slot next the the shifter that unlocks the shifter column). When put in park the shifter gets stuck, I can only unlock it with by using the safety lock. When the car is on it is suppose to unlock, but it dosent. I am very confused, any help is appreciated.

THanx
Kyle

 

I believe the the brake (stop light) switch which is attached to your brake pedal also activates the shift interlock system.
A quick check would be to verify that the brake lamps work when the pedals' pushed.
I would look for loose or damaged connector at the switch; at worst you'll have to replace the switch.

P

 

Sit in the car and push the brake pedal down slightly a few times. It has to be pretty quiet but you should be able to hear the sollinoid activate and release everytime inside the center console. If you don't hear it, like P Adams sayes, check the brake switch or sollinoid and wireing.

 

It is probably the interlock solenoid, this is essentially a child safety feature so kids cant move it out of park while sitting on a hill, no kids, no need for the lock. I have removed hundreds of them.

 

Duane's got a point as well.
One thing to note; with the key in the 'on' position, but with the engine off, you should hear the solenoid clicking (in the vicinity of the shifter) as it releases.
If you hear nothing, it's back to the switch we go.............

P

 

if u look down where the brake pedal is there is a switch with a plunger and a connector i believe it has 2 wires,, disconnect the connector and jump those 2 wires together if all works u need a brake switch ,,,,if not like others have said could be a interlock solenoid but i have only seen 2 of those babies go bad...

oh almost forgot make sure the brake fuse is ok ,,if fuse is blown u will have same problem ,,,