Information Regarding Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function

This bulletin is being revised to add models and model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-07-30-043 (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).

This bulletin is being issued to better explain how the Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control (formerly known as Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI)) feature is intended to operate. Revised wording regarding the shift lock control system began appearing in the Owner Manuals beginning with the 2004 model year.

The shift lock control feature was intended to prevent drivers from shifting out of Park with the vehicle running without the brakes applied. However, if the ignition switch is in the Accessory (ACC) position, it may be possible on some vehicles to move the shift lever out of Park WITHOUT first activating the brake.

The shift lock control system is ONLY active when the ignition switch is in the RUN or ON position. This means that when the ignition switch is in the RUN or ON position, the shift lever cannot be moved out of the Park position without activating the brake.

Some owners may feel that the shift lock control system prevents an unattended child from moving the vehicle. Please stress to owners, as stated in the Owner Manual, that children should NEVER be left unattended in a vehicle, even if the ignition key has been removed from the vehicle.