Wont shift out of park

[Kelso]

Hey guys im new to this site and searched for this problem but couldn't find whats going with mine.
its a 2007 Yukon denali 6.2 awd. When its below 30 degrees it wont shift out of park, even letting it warm up for 20-30 mins. Once you get it out of park its super hard to move it feels like its dragging through honey. Once you get it to go in reverse then drive it goes back to normal and you can move the shifter fine the rest of the day. It only does this when the outside temp is 30 and below. anybody else have this problem before and if so whats causing it?

thanks for your time and help!

 

[OR VietVet]

First: Welcome to the forum.

Second: The trans shift cable is a shielded cable. If you can disconnect at the trans and the trans linkage moves freely then that should indicate that the trans is ok. Then look at the cable to see if there is damage to that shield. Might try getting some silicone lube to spray in there and see if that will free it up but if it is as hard to spray in there as I think then replace that shift cable assembly. When you disconnect the cable at the trans see if the shifter moves freely before lube attempt.


The shift cable at Rock Auto is AC Delco 25995564 is out of stock so that may tell you something. At Amazon, the AC Delco cable is $28.99.

There could also be an intermittent problem with the brake light switch/sensor that could be involved. Have someone at the back and see if when you have the problem, does the brake lights light up?

 

[Kelso]

PN VietVet thanks for the reply! Ill definitely check that cable out. I just put a new brake light switch in because the cruise control wasn't working so that's brand new. I never noticed if the brake lights come on or not when trying to shift it so ill check that tonight. Its just weird it only does it when its under 30 degrees. The other day it did it and I got it going into drive and it was fine for accouple hours and I parked for maybe 20 mins and left the Yukon running and came back out and it wouldn't shift out of park again.

 

[OR VietVet]

If the trans linkage moves freely, after unhooking the cable, then it is likely related to the cable itself. Did the problem start after the brake switch install? If so, then also check your work area when you did replace the switch. Basics first. If was there already then likely not related. Because it is so intermittent I would just order the cable and replace it, especially since the cable is so inexpensive.

 

[Kelso]

Well we bought the Yukon in may so It was nice weather so it didn't do the shifting problem. I replaced the brake switch 2 weeks after we bought it and it was fine, ( the cruise started working) and now it just started doing the shifting problem recently. Ill check the switch again and see if the brakes come on when trying to shift it out of park when I get home. Ill order the cable also since it is inexpensive. thanks for all the help PNW I really appreciate it!

 

[OR VietVet]

That cable could have some grit/crud inside the shield and when cold it stiffens up and binds. Once you break it loose then will work till gets cold enough again. A heated parking spot could also help diagnose this. I think you will fix it with the new cable though.

 

[Kelso]

ok sounds good ill replace that cable! thanks again for all your help!