| MHOsborn |
This has happened to my wife about 6 times now, and she's fed up with it:
She tells me that, after driving to work and arriving there, the shifter refuses to go into Park. She says she can put it into Neutral, but that it won't go into Park. She told me she has to wait about 5 minutes, then it will go into Park.
Anybody heard of this problem?
Dealer's looked at it, but can't find anything wrong. And...I haven't figured out how to get the dealer (15 miles away) to "teleport" himself over to the scene of the malfunction so he can see it for himself in the 5 minutes or less before the problem goes away.
2005 AWD Murano SL; 36,000 miles |
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| njjoe |
MHOsborn-
Welcome to the forum.
Here's a link to another thread that looks to be the same problem as yours. Unfortunately the resolution is not posted. Maybe you can email boostedOKC and see what he did to fix it.
Will not go into Park
Do you have a trailer hitch? One member reported the same problem and it turned out to be a wiring problem with the tow harness. Since the brake light circuit interacts with the shift interlock, a wiring snafu can prevent the shift interlock from functioning properly.
Good luck.
-njjoe |
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| MHOsborn |
Hmmm....oddly enough, we do have the trailer package on our Murano. I'll have to suggest to the dealer that they take a look at the wiring of it.
I'll also take a look at the thread you suggested.
Thanks much for the (quick) reply. |
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| Lightninrod |
Possibly a cracked engine mount?
Dan |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Lightninrod
Possibly a cracked engine mount?
Dan
????? :confused: How do you figure that? The two are not related at all on the Murano. The shift interlock is electrically-triggered.
-njjoe |
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| MHOsborn |
Apparently, this problem bugs my wife more than I thought.....
She's fed up enough with this problem to look at replacing the Murano.
So far, she likes the Ford Edge better than the Mazda CX-9 or CX-7. We're going to look at the GMC Acadia today...but it's inevitable that our Murano's going bye-bye very soon. |
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| Gonzo |
| I hope your wife is not the type to replace every car when there is an issue.... if so you will be going through a lot of cars. |
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| MHOsborn |
| We've had a lot of cars in the past and, no...she's never done this before. I think the thought that she might not be able to put the car into park someday, even after 5-10 minutes, worries her...she doesn't want to be late to work because she can't park her damned car (as an example). |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by MHOsborn
...she doesn't want to be late to work because she can't park her damned car...
Don't get rid of the MO. Just leave the house 5 minutes sooner....:2: |
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| Gonzo |
quote:
Originally posted by zebelkhan
Don't get rid of the MO. Just leave the house 5 minutes sooner....:2:
Ahhhh a true MO owner!!!!! :p |
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| BikerJohn |
| I am having the same issue with my MO. It started randomly and then went away for a while. When it did occur; I used the emergency lock-release. This lock release is the little black cap that is located just above the "P" on the shifter console. Use a small key or screwdriver and lift that cap off. Then insert a small key(I use my mail-box key) or small screwdriver into that hole and push down on the release lever located inside. The random problem continued until now it is locked-out. I have searched through my service manual and have discovered that yes, it is an electronic lock-out(as posted earlier). The control unit is located within the center console but I have not yet replaced the part. For now, I just leave the key inside the release-lock hole and drive around like that. I will post a follow up once I get some time to repair it. :2: |
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| njjoe |
BJ-
What year is your MO?
-njjoe |
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| BikerJohn |
| My MO is an '03. |
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| Pawolf |
| I had this same problem start intermittently happening about 2 months ago on our 03 Murano. The dealer could not find a problem when it was taken in but after some talking to find out what might be a cause they did notify us that the problem is one of three items. 1. The brake switch that sends a signal to the shifter solenoid or 2. the actual solenoid itself or 3. a wiring problem. I had the dealer price out getting all components replaced and he told me that it would run about $1,000. The solenoid was actually a computer box that takes several inputs in and determines if it will allow the shifter to move. This past week the shifter finally will not move without hitting the over ride lock every time you drive it and I am going to have it looked at again on 3/21/07 and will post a fix for our problem. |
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| BikerJohn |
| I had a chance to do some investigating and after reading the service manual; the shifter-lock problem can be caused by one of four isssues. The first one that can cause any problem is to do with the Key lock solenoid located behind the ignition switch. The second can be to do with the Stop lamp switch. The third; to do with the Shift lock control unit and the last part is the actual Shift lock solenoid. I went ahead to the Shift-lock solenoid to test to see if that worked when I jumped the terminal with 12v current. I did so and nothing. This solenoid is connected to and controls the actual locking mechanism that locks out the shifter handle. It is suppose to move the lock mechanism up and down; locking and releasing the shifter. I checked to see if voltage was getting to the solenoid and it was. So, I am assuming(I hate that word...) that the problem is with the solenoid unit itself. I will get the part (if available as a unit on its own) from my dealership tomorrow and will follow up again with any further news. The Shift-lock solenoid is located within the shifter console. I have attached a photo of the unit located directly below the shift cover panel. |
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| BikerJohn |
| The shifter solenoid is located below the shifter. Please excuse the dirt....what a surprise! It's amazing where it comes from :-) |
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| BikerJohn |
| Just an update to the Shift lock issue. I jumped the shift lock solenoid and it works fine(btw- $81.00 CDN for that part). So, it's not that. There are two detention switches located within the shifter area. One is a key lock detention-it senses when the shifter is in Park to allow ignition key to release and the other is the shifter lock detention sensing when the shifter is not in Park. I have checked the ohm reading for both and they are both working fine. I also checked the stop lamp switch and it also shows ohm reading; so that switch too is fine. BTW-there is a 10 amp fuse (left knee panel) for the stop lamp; check that out to see if its ok. The other three issues can be the key lock solenoid, key switch and the shift lock controller. The two key related parts are working ok. The last and only other culprit can be the shift lock controller unit.:( Very sad...very expensive ($334.00 CDN) for a small circuit board with chips and resistors. I had to order one since everything else is working ok. If this doesn't work; I'm just going to disconnect my interlock mechanism and drive it like that-a 5 minute fix; $0.00 cost! Will let you know tomorrow when the part comes in...... |
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| BikerJohn |
| Finally the issue is fixed! The problem was the Shifter Control Unit. This unit is located directly in front of you right knee behind the panel. If you reach down below the panel and put your hand behind the panel; its right there. I have posted a photo of the bad unit and the Nissan Part # is 28540CA000. The part cost me $325.00 CDN + taxes...:mad: . It's nothing more than a small circuit board with some resistors and computer chips on it. My shifter is working again corectly and I was able to clean out some dirt down there also. I hope this will help others who have future issues. Cheers!:D |
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| Pawolf |
| Nissan dealer told me that the shift lock controller unit is the problem and will cost me $208.74 and about $150 for the troubleshooting. It is in the shop today and will be ready in about 2 hours of pulling it in the garage. |
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| njjoe |
BikerJohn-
You did a nice job troubleshooting. I'd like to believe the service technicians at my Nissan dealer would be as logical and thorough as you. Yeah right. :rolleyes:
-njjoe |
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| BikerJohn |
Thanks, njjoe. I hope that it'll help others. This site has been a great source for info and inspiration. Everyones input is greatly appreciated and I just want to be a part of it:)
I also agree with your point in logic:jester: |
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| sgd2z |
| I just had this problem today :( Random waste of a few hundred bucks. |
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| gasa79 |
| First time poster here---great site. Looks like I'm have the same problem. I brought it to the Dealership and they want $800 to "change out the shifter". They said they have to do that all the time. Needless to say, I'm not going to let them "change the shifter". I've found the Shift Control Unit on the internet for about $150, but because it's considered electrical I can't return the part if that doesn't fix it. So, I was wondering how you tested the unit to know that it was defective? Any help would be appreciated. |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by gasa79
I brought it to the Dealership and they want $800 to "change out the shifter". They said they have to do that all the time.
g79-
Welcome to the forum.
Don't you just love a dealership's rep that says "...they have to do that all the time" when you bring a $35,000 car in for a repair? How stupid and thoughtless can they be? No one wants to hear that their problem is a frequently occurring problem.
-njjoe |
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| BikerJohn |
G;
I take it that your MO isn't covered under warranty any more?
Anyway; I don't know if there's a way to actually test the Shifter Control Unit. However, there are three other components that could be causing the problem that can be checked.
Only by process of elimination will you know that the Control Unit is what you need.
How are you with a Multimeter? You will need that to check to see if all the other components are working ok. |
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| gasa79 |
| It's not under warrenty--2003 with 38,000 miles. It was my wifes grandmother's car, so it's in really good shape, but this started happening about two weeks ago on and off. Now it never works without holding down the manual overide. I do have a multimeter at home, and I do know how to use it. Just tell me what to look for, and i can measure it. Thanks for the help. |
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| BikerJohn |
quote:
Originally posted by gasa79
It's not under warrenty--2003 with 38,000 miles. It was my wifes grandmother's car, so it's in really good shape, but this started happening about two weeks ago on and off. Now it never works without holding down the manual overide. I do have a multimeter at home, and I do know how to use it. Just tell me what to look for, and i can measure it. Thanks for the help.
Hi G;
I have emailed you and if you would kindly reply; I will attach the section of the service manual that has the diagnostics for it.
John. |
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| gasa79 |
| I didn't get that e-mail. Could you please send it again? I really need to get this fixed, but not for $800. Thanks. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
????? :confused: How do you figure that? The two are not related at all on the Murano. The shift interlock is electrically-triggered.
-njjoe
That might apply if the MO had a shift cable, but I believe the shifter is electronically controlled. |
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| Eric L. |
| It definitely sounds like a shift interlock issue - do you get the click noise when you step on the brake? You should, even in Park. |
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| BikerJohn |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
It definitely sounds like a shift interlock issue - do you get the click noise when you step on the brake? You should, even in Park.
Yep. That's the sound of the interlock solenoid releasing the locking pin. |
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| BikerJohn |
Just wondering if anyone can post pages 183 to 189 in the CVT section from the service manual('03-'05) for gasa79 ?
I've tried but my Adobe Reader won't let me post just those pages. Those pages cover the diagnostics of the components for the shift lock. Thanks guys! ;) |
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| gasa79 |
| Just a little update on my problem of not shifting. The culprit was the Shift Control Unit. I found a replacement online for about $150. Much cheaper than the $800 the dealership wanted to charge me to "replace the shifter". Thanks for the help. |
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| BikerJohn |
quote:
Originally posted by gasa79
Just a little update on my problem of not shifting. The culprit was the Shift Control Unit. I found a replacement online for about $150. Much cheaper than the $800 the dealership wanted to charge me to "replace the shifter". Thanks for the help.
Thanks for the update; great job on saving yourself the $$.... BTW-where did you find the Shift Control Unit online? Perhaps it may help others in sorcing the item. |
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| gasa79 |
| I bought the Service Manual on EBay for about $10 including shipping, and I bought the Control Unit from factorynissanparts.com for about $160 including shipping. The Shift Control Unit seems to be a common cause for the not shifting problem. |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by gasa79
The Shift Control Unit seems to be a common cause for the not shifting problem.
And Nissan's catch phrase is........Shift......:D |
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| HTRK-1 |
| It's hard to tell (I haven't seen the mechanism up close), but what would be the problem with simply removing the locking pin and or solonoid, other than being able to shift out of park with out touching the brake pedal? I would want it fixed properly, but if you didn't have the money, it might make a good temporary fix (keep the wife happy). |
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| BikerJohn |
quote:
Originally posted by HTRK-1
It's hard to tell (I haven't seen the mechanism up close), but what would be the problem with simply removing the locking pin and or solonoid, other than being able to shift out of park with out touching the brake pedal? I would want it fixed properly, but if you didn't have the money, it might make a good temporary fix (keep the wife happy).
You can pop the little black cap off the shifter console(just above the park "P") and insert a small screwdriver to release the shifter. I used to use a small key and left it in there(the teeth helped it stay in place in the pushed down position) until I got around to fixing it.
However, be very careful. The shifter will move if you hit it by accident while in Park or Any other settings. It's there for a reason so if you have young kids that want to play with the control in your car(or if your wife is not confortable with it; I would highly recommend getting it fixed. It can even be knocked out of gear without the keys in the ignition.
The fix is a small cost considering how much damage an accident can cause.:4: |
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| HTRK-1 |
| Good call. Not having kids, I sometimes forget about that possibility. I would want it to function correctly regardless. |
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| gasa79 |
| My wife's shifter had actually been broken for about a month before I got around to fixing it. She just used a small key in the over ride, but that becomes a pain after a while. |
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| dklanecky1 |
Well my 03 SE AWD started doing the same thing Monday morning. Strange thing is it would do it only when the engine and tranny were nice and warm. If I let it sit over night, it's fine. Now after doing it for two days (Monday and Tuesday) it worked perfectly all day today. I drove about 110 miles in two 55 mile jaunts today. I'm up to 82,xxx miles and other than this relatively minor issue, everything is still working well.
It looks like I might get something out of my 100k Nissan extended warranty afterall. :rolleyes: |
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| BikerJohn |
That's how mine started to go until the day came when it stopped working all together.
Definately take advantage of the warrenty now..... |
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