Hey, I'm trying to replace the shift interlock solenoid in my civic. I have the console removed and the solenoid disconnected, but I can't seem to get it out.

I believe the arrow at the bottom of this diagram is the lock, and it seems you're supposed to pull it down. Now this thing is kind of tough to get to and I just can't seem to pull it down no matter what. I've tried using my fingers and tried prying it with screwdrivers and whatnot from different angles.

Anyone got any helpful tips? Am I doing it all wrong? Thanks in advance.

 

The large arrow on the bottom is referring to pull/pry down to the lock tab.

Try pushing in a little on the solenoid first, then pry down on the lock tab to release and pull out the solenoid.

This other photo is for an Accord, where the lock tab is attached above. I included it to illustrate, that is the lock tab.

 

thank you. Right, I was referring to the actual lock tab not the arrow itself. I have tried pushing the solenoid in as much as possible before prying on the tab but still no movement. To me it doesn't look like it's even supposed to move, but the dealership did tell me I could install this myself. I'm considering just breaking that tab off and using a zip tie to secure the new solenoid. Is there any reason that would be a bad idea?

 

On some solenoid brackets, there looks to be a slot. It is possible for the solenoids with the slot in the bracket, that is where the lock tab clips to. See if that is the case and maybe wiggle the solenoid around while prying down on the lock tab.

This is an image I found based on a google search showing the slot.




If that doesn't work, before breaking the locking tab trying slightly heating the tab or something and then try prying again.

 

Yeah thats exactly how it's locked in, It just doesn't seem to have any way of unlocking. Here it is from below. I can't find any way of gripping it or even getting under it to pry. I've just been scraping the front surface trying to pry it.



This is the angle I'm trying to pry from. The metal on the right is the solenoid and that black bit is the lock clip. Heating it up sounds like a good idea but I'm not sure I can do that without damaging anything else. I might be able to grip it with pliers, but the space on the sides is extremely thin