I recently got into a fender bender with my '94 accord. It's automatic and I can't take it out of park without using the shiftlock release first.
The damage really isn't that bad, I think I can fix it myself, but before I do I want to make sure that I will be able to take the car out of park without using the release. Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

 

Do the brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal? If not your brake switch is not working. It also releases the shift lock. Let me know what's up after you check that out. Do you hear clicking sound (near shift lever) when applying brakes?

 

When brake pedal is pressed the brake lights don't turn on and there is no clicking sound.

 

Either the brake light switch is dislodged from it's position on the brake pedal or just not working. Look for the switch by the brake pedal. Maybe the jolt of the wreck made the switch move from it's position.

 

Is the brake light switch the one that is compressed when the brake pedal isn't pushed and released when the brake pedal is pushed down?

If it is then it appears that it is lined up and so it must be broken? Any suggestion on how to fix it?

 

Lets back this train up a little bit. Where was the car hit and how bad was this fender bender?

 

chk the fuse for the horns.......if it is blown you cannot move car out of park..

 

I hit the back of a truck with an exposed tailgate hitch. So the ball pushed in the front of my bumper and pushed in the radiator and fan. However, the radiator still works so I can still drive it and I haven't tested the fan yet to see if that still works. Overall the worst of the damage seems to be to the body.

 

I do know that the horns don't work, but I figured that was because they are in the front of the car which is where the damage was taken.