Shifter stuck in +/-
 

Hello everyone ,
new to the forum and trying to troubleshoot my daughters 2011 Mazda 3 4cyl automatic sedan. I’ve noticed that shifting into gears every now and then felt loose, not snug like it always did. Turns out today she pulled into driveway and the car will not come out of drive . It only moves to the +/- positions and a little to the right . Can’t get it to go into neutral, D, or P.. I pulled the battery - so not to drain it and was able to remove the key. I took the covers off and it seems like the rod is ok. The shifter won’t move enough to move it up. I have a video and hopefully it uploads . I’m in a pickle and appreciate any advice .

Video didn’t upload.

YouTube link with the issue

@Dadfix , have a look at the brake pedal sensor. Which is required for the car to start, and for shifting out of park.

I've got a 2012 Mazda 3 S GT (5spd automatic transm) that had that go out once. For some weeks, it would occasionally fail to get out of park, or get stuck in one of the other shifter positions. Swapped in a new sensor ... voila. Might be something to check. Getting stuck in Park I can understand, since the brake's necessary for the initial shift, but as it got worse it was showing up in the various positions with the gear selector.

Now, I realize what you're describing is a little different, it being in +/- and not being able to get it into another position. I mentioned the brake pedal sensor because I found it strange the thing would impact shifting the way it did.

Worth a shot, I’ll give it a look.
thanks

Update....
I grasped the linkage and was able to move it towards the rear of the car and slipped the shifter into drive, N, and then Park. I suspect that some plastic link or part must be wearing internally . IMO, shifter appears to be one piece . so you can’t separate it for a rebuild . It’s all plastic. I might have to replace it in the future. It costs $325 new, ouch. As for now, I will have to show the kid how to shift gears without slamming them and exercising a little more care and preciseness.