HIGH SHIFT EFFORT OUT OF PARK/ LOCKED IN PARK
SUBJECT: HIGH SHIFT EFFORT OUT OF PARK/LOCKED IN PARK BRAKE-TRANSAXLE SHIFT INTERLOCK (BTSI) OPERATION/ADJUSTMENT
MODELS AFFECTED: 1991 LESABRE 1991 PARK AVENUE/ULTRA
BULLETIN COVERS:
A 1991 LeSabre, Park Avenue or Ultra may exhibit a high shift effort when the customer is trying to shift the transaxle out of the Park range. This could be caused by the customer not following the proper shifting procedure for the brake-transaxle shift interlock (BTSI) system. The BTSI system is designed to prevent the vehicle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is fully depressed BEFORE the shift lever is moved. When the brake pedal is depressed, the BTSI solenoid is de-energized, allowing the shift lever to be moved out of the Park range (provided that the shift lever is all the way in Park).
Customers may comment that their vehicle requires a high shift effort to shift out of Park. This is usually caused by the customer FIRST moving the shift lever, then depressing the brake pedal or trying to do both simultaneously. This will cause the interlock system to function as intended and hold the shift lever in the Park range until the shift lever is moved back fully into the Park range.
Proper shifting procedure to be communicated to the customer:
Ensure that the shift lever is fully in the Park range before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from Park when the ignition key is in the "Run" or "On" position. If you cannot shift out of Park, ease pressure on the shift lever (push the shift lever all the way into Park as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
SERVICE PROCEDURE:
Test the BTSI system and if "OK", inform the customer of the proper shifting procedure. If adjustment is needed to allow the BTSI solenoid to interlock, follow the procedure listed in "ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE FOR COLUMN BTSI SYSTEM" or the Service Manual.
SERVICE MANUAL REFERENCE:
Refer to the Steering Column Unit Repair, page 3F2-18 for LeSabre and page 3F4A-12 for Park Avenue/Park Avenue Ultra.
LABOR TIME INFORMATION:
Use the following labor time guide information when replacing or adjusting the BTSI solenoid:
OPERATION OPERATION DESCRIPTION NUMBER LABOR TIME --------------------------------------- --------- ---------- SOLENOID-ADJUST, BRAKE TRANSAXLE SHIFT N3475 .6 INTERLOCK
SOLENOID-REPLACE, BRAKE TRANSAXLE SHIFT N3460 .7 INTERLOCK (Inc. adjust solenoid)
ON-VEHICLE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE FOR COLUMN BTSI SYSTEM:
With the steering column in the vehicle, use the following procedure to adjust the BTSI system interlock. Use Labor Operation N3475 to adjust the BTSI system.
Verify that the shift cable is installed with no tension on the steering column shift tube lever.
1. Place the ignition lock cylinder in the "On" position.
2. Place the shift lever in the "Neutral" position.
3. Unlock the shift cable to eliminate any tension in the shift cable at the transaxle shift arm.
4. Push the lock for the shift cable back down to lock the cable.
5. Return the shift lever to the "Park" position.
6. Check the shift indicator for proper adjustment. If adjustment is required, refer to the service manual, section 3F, Shift Indicator Adjustment for LeSabre, or section 3F4, Shift Indicator Adjustment for Park Avenue/Park Avenue Ultra.
7. Check the neutral start switch for proper operation. If adjustment is required, refer to the service manual, section 7A, Shift Control Cable, to adjust the shift cable or to Section 7A, Transaxle Neutral Start Switch, for complete switch adjustment.
Check the BTSI system for proper operation. If the condition still exists, proceed to the next step (See Figures 1 and 2).
8. Change the position of the BTSI lever to the shift tube lever pin.
9. Loosen the bolts on the interlock and solenoid assembly through the steering column lower support bracket.
10. Move the interlock and solenoid assembly towards the steering column approximately 2mm (1/8 inch).
11. Tighten the bolts for the interlock and solenoid assembly evenly to 16.0 N.m (12 lbs. ft.).
Check the BTSI system for proper operation. If condition still exists, repeat steps 8 through 11.
If the condition still exists after several attempts to adjust the BTSI system, it may be necessary to remove the steering column from the vehicle to adjust the BTSI system on a bench. Refer to service manual section 3F2 for LeSabre or section 3F4A for Park Avenue/Park Avenue Ultra, Steering Column Unit Repair.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
