My automatic 98 protege has been parked for 3 months in my backyard. Prior to me parking it there it had no problem shifting at all. Today I went out jumped the battery, started it no problem and let it run for a little then tried to shift into drive...the gear stick wouldnt move i shook it hit it messed with the steering wheel tried using my key and a screwdriver in the shift override and still it wont move form park. I checked the fuses and everything works fine, the brake lights come on and i hear the lock click when i push on the brake. It seems like something is just stopping the stick from moving. Im confused any help would be much appreciated

 

There is something called a transmission range sensor aka neutral safety switch. It is mounted on the transmission where the cable attaches.
I am thinking that switch is stuck. But check if there is any corrosion on the harness.

 

I'll check it out. My car has been out there for a while so its possible some corrosion is involved. Is the switch located in the hood or under the car?

 

on the transmission. That would be under the hood.


Yours will be similar:

 

Hey sorry for the long reply, but yea its definitely the range switch or at least the bolts attaching it there really rusted and i can see thats whats stopping it from moving. If i just get new bolts would i have to replace the switch? cuz it looks fine. Thanks for your help at least i know what it is now

 

spray some wd 40 on it and let it sit for awhile, then try shifting again.

 

Sprayed some on and it worked like new im jus glad it was that easy. It rumbles a tiny bit when in drive and reverse but i figure it jus has to work itself out after sitting for so long. Thanks for the help i was really stressing

 

Great!

I'll send you a bill in triplicate.....

When was it the last time the transmission fluid and filter was replaced?

 

I dont know i had just bought it but they most likely need to be changed