Gear stuck in Park
 

Ok when it comes to cars im not mechanically inclined. This morning I went to go to work and the gear shift was stuck in park. I tried moving that little switch in side of the gear box and it doesnt unlock it or do anything to it. Now im outta oil and collant.... does this effect that in any way?

Its a 1992 mazda 323 se hatchback automatic.

Someone please help me

RE: Gear stuck in Park
 

beartoes ( that is really neat user name by the way )
If you turn the ignition switch to run position (as far as you can turn switch without trying to start and all dash lights turn on) and then step on the brake pedal do you hear a click or motor running type of noise from the gear shifter area? That would be the starter interlock that does not allow you to move the shifter out of park without having you step on the brake pedal. The switch on the side of the shifter rarely operates on the 323. Mine does not anyway and few cars that I have worked on operate either.

RE: Gear stuck in Park
 

So I added some more oil to the engine as apprently it was dry. I ran the oil through and it unlocked. It works now but it is still sticky. Would this be still the starter interlock? Is there anything I can do to fix this cheap?

RE: Gear stuck in Park
 

Having a dry engine is extremely bad but should not have any relation to shifter not coming out of park. Were you able to hear the noises I described or no? Also check the area around the shifter where it slide back and forth. Spilled sodas are a very common problem for a shifter being difficult to more and/or stuck.