Hi, everyone. New to the forums. I'm having a problem with my 2003 Automatic Mazda Protege. Among other problems which aren't very pressing, right now it won't shift out of park. I'm depressing the brake all the way, and pressing the gear shift button, but it feels almost like something is jamming it and it won't move.

Does anyone know what could be the problem? I'm a broke college student, so I don't really have the money to drop a few hundred to have a mechanic tell me there's nothing wrong with it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance!

 

Do your brake lights work?
Is there a manual release button beside the gear lever?

 

The shift interlock solenoid connected to the shifter is likely gummed up from spilled drinks. Remove the center console and you will find an electric solenoid connected to a lever that locks/unlocks the shifter movement. If you are lucky you can simply clean/lube it all and be done. If not then it may need a new solenoid/brake switch/etc. ( pretty rare ) This is the cause in 90% of the cases for what you describe.

 

In most cars equipped with an auto transmission, there is a fuse that protects the shift lock solenoid. If something did spill it could have caused the fuse to pop. As stated above, look at and try to clean the solenoid of any contaminates, and then locate and pull the fuse for inspection. Let us know what you find.

 

If you need to drive the car, just use the manual interlock release next to the shifter.