Topic: Mazda 3 Shifter Locked in Park

[rrocket]

excuse me, I'm a little confused.

so, is it that with all the burnt out brake lights, it's causing this shifter lock up?  or is it the other way around - the brake pedal switch problem that's causing the brake lights not working?   

It's likely the brake pedal switch problem that's causing the brake lights not working.

Or have a quick look at your fuses....could be a fuse... 

[Rosberg]

thank you very much everyone, I'll keep you guys posted. 

[fwetzel]

Well I did a search today because I'm having the same problem. I have a Mazda 3, 2005 with just under 70,000k on it.

I find mine will come out of park if I keep pushing the break, on and off and once i hear the "click" with the shifter I know I can shift it out of park.

I also notice that my break lights are not working most of the time. Same thing if i keep "pumping" the breaks the lights will come on once and a while.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[rrocket]

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Uh yea....the same ones we've already provided....Sound like you have the same issue...

[Squishy]

Sounds like the brake pedal switch as well.  Most of them are a "plunger" type switch (like your fridge door light switch) that gets depressed when the brake pedal is released.  If the plunger gets dirty, it will fail to extend when the brake pedal is pressed down.  You should be able to stick your head under the dash and follow the brake pedal assembly until you find such a switch.  It is usually close to the pivot point.

[johngenx]

Cars have brakes for stopping, not breaks.  Though if your brakes break, then you might have a break from driving thanks to the shop having to repair your brakes.  Hopefully they're competent and don't break your brakes more than they're already broken.

Them's the, well, you know...

[tpl]

    I claim first correct diagnosis in the first reply      close enough anyway!

[fwetzel]

Sorry, yes Brakes not Breaks... but anyways...

Just ran outside and followed my brake pedal up to the "switch" it doesn't seem to be stuck but i find if i "wiggle" it i can hear my swifter unlock and lock. So it must be the switch.

I guess I'm buying a new one.

Thanks again!

[rrocket]

If you unplug the switch, you'll see pins.  You should be able to jump the pins until you get a new switch and all should be well.  YMMV though....

[barrie1]

By the way fwetzel Welcome to the Forum. 

[Bubba]

Cars have brakes for stopping, not breaks.  Though if your brakes break, then you might have a break from driving thanks to the shop having to repair your brakes.  Hopefully they're competent and don't break your brakes more than they're already broken.

Them's the, well, you know...

 

[blur911]

If you unplug the switch, you'll see pins.  You should be able to jump the pins until you get a new switch and all should be well.  YMMV though....

Except if you jump the connectors your brake lights will be on all the time. 

BTW, some brake light switches are mounted so that the brake pedal depresses the plunger when the pedal is not depressed. When you push the pedal the switch plunger moves out due to an internal spring and makes the contacts.  If it gets dirty or the spring breaks it can jam and not work.  Likely just worn or dirty contacts though.  Get a new switch.

[Brig]

I must say I'm thoroughly impressed by the troubleshooting in this thread.  Very cool, and nicely done, guys.   

[rrocket]

If you unplug the switch, you'll see pins.  You should be able to jump the pins until you get a new switch and all should be well.  YMMV though....

Except if you jump the connectors your brake lights will be on all the time. 

BTW, some brake light switches are mounted so that the brake pedal depresses the plunger when the pedal is not depressed. When you push the pedal the switch plunger moves out due to an internal spring and makes the contacts.  If it gets dirty or the spring breaks it can jam and not work.  Likely just worn or dirty contacts though.  Get a new switch.

Quite possibly.  I've never done on on a Mazda3.  On other cars...no such issue with the tail lights.  Good catch though....