Workhorse Transmission stuck in park

I've not had that problem on my Workhorse chassis. Mine does not have a locking paw on the transmission - but relies on the infamous Autopark brake. You didn't mention what chassis you have. Could you have a chassis where there is a transmission interlock which, if you're parked on a slope, a lot of pressure is on the interlock?

Since I clearly don't know a lot about your situation, maybe you could let us know if you had the problem parked on a level or on a sloping surface. Also if you know your chassis (P22, W22, etc) that might help also.

I wonder if you know that you have to press down the brake pedal in order to move the shift lever out of Park? Are you aware of this and is this what you did? Just thinking out loud.

I've solved this problem by raising my front wheels off the ground with my front jacks. Then turning the steering wheel. This relieves the pressure/binding on the steering wheel shifter lock.

This problem is not an uncommon occurrence with a large heavy vehicle.

-Tom, W3TLN

I had that problem a couple years ago. You do need to apply the brake peddle to get it out of park. The solinoid switch is on the brake peddle. Mine was sticky and didn't work well. If you pull the wire off this switch, it will shift out of park without even applying the brakes. I like it and left mine this way.

Brian

I know about pressing the brake and I did that as always, even a little harder this time. I was parked flat and not on any kind of hill.

The steering wheel turned freely but I will remember to lift the front off the ground should this happen again.

I found what I think is the brake interlock and I will remove the 2 separate plug ins (one with 2 wires and one with 3 wires)should I get stuck again.

Unless there is a trouble code stored, I am wondering if having it inspected would do much good ??

On the other hand, just to replace all the possible parts may not make sense either.

Not sure of the chassis but the build code (2010) says W32018.

Thanks for the replies.

Brake pedal switch can cause this. It has several circuits, some normally open some normally closed. The interlock circuit may not be the same as the brake light circuit. You can test it by pulling the plug, and using a multimeter to check if continuity changes at the proper pins.

Bryan, now if I just had a wiring diagram I would be in business. Maybe I can find something someplace.

thanks, ron

I had a similar problem on my old 2004 w22 chassis. The repair facility called me to tell me that it was stuck on the RR Tracks. By the time I got there they had released the pawl. I had the problem come up about once a year after that and all I did was get a wee bit forceful with the shift lever and in reality never had the problem again.