In this Call Of The Week from Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show...

Joe from Pennsylvania has a 2010 Chevy Impala that intermittently gets stuck in Park. The shifter doesn’t have a manual release, and AAA refuses to tow it in that condition. Ron explains the issue likely involves the shift interlock circuit, which depends on the brake light switch, Body Control Module (BCM), and a solenoid controlled by a dark green wire with a white stripe.

Ron advises Joe to:


Check if brake lights work when the issue occurs.


Test for 12V on the green/white wire when pressing the brake.


Use a 194 test bulb inline on that wire to confirm power.


Check the ground at the solenoid.


Make sure the brake switch was calibrated (BPP calibration) if it was replaced.

If power reaches the solenoid but it doesn’t click, it’s likely the solenoid or ground. If no power, the problem is upstream in the circuit.

Ron emphasizes understanding the circuit before replacing parts.

Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor also available. 

Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com
Follow Us On Instagram  -   @ronananian   
Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos 
Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900   
Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time 


Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com

 

In this Call Of The Week from Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor Radio Show...
Joe from Pennsylvania has a 2010 Chevy Impala that intermittently gets stuck in Park. The shifter doesn&rsquo;t have a manual release, and AAA refuses to tow it in that condition. Ron explains the issue likely involves the shift interlock circuit, which depends on the brake light switch, Body Control Module (BCM), and a solenoid controlled by a dark green wire with a white stripe.
Ron advises Joe to:
<ul data-start="487" data-end="800">
<li data-start="487" data-end="542">
Check if brake lights work when the issue occurs.
</li>
<li data-start="543" data-end="610">
Test for 12V on the green/white wire when pressing the brake.
</li>
<li data-start="611" data-end="674">
Use a 194 test bulb inline on that wire to confirm power.
</li>
<li data-start="675" data-end="714">
Check the ground at the solenoid.
</li>
<li data-start="715" data-end="800">
Make sure the brake switch was calibrated (BPP calibration) if it was replaced.
</li>
</ul>
If power reaches the solenoid but it doesn&rsquo;t click, it&rsquo;s likely the solenoid or ground. If no power, the problem is upstream in the circuit.
Ron emphasizes understanding the circuit before replacing parts.
Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor also available.&nbsp;
Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com">https://www.cardoctorshow.com</a>
<ul>
<li>Follow Us On Instagram&nbsp; -&nbsp; &nbsp;@ronananian&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>Visit our You Tube Channel for auto repair tips and videos&nbsp;</li>
<li>Call Into The Car Doctor Hotline 24/7 (855)560-9900&nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
<li>Live Call In Show Saturdays 2-4PM Eastern Time&nbsp;
Visit us at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cardoctorshow.com">https://www.cardoctorshow.com</a>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive. Call us at 855-560-9900.

With over 40 years of repairing cars and 27 on the radio helping you repair them, Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is an expert at everything automotive.  Call us at 855-560-9900.

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, master technician, and trusted voice in car repair and consumer advice. For more than 30 years, Ron has blended real-world shop experience with straight-talk radio, helping drivers understand their vehicles and the industry with clarity, humor, and honesty. As host of the long-running Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio show—heard nationwide across major networks—he brings diagnostics, storytelling, and practical wisdom together in a way only a seasoned mechanic can. Whether it’s a tough trouble code, a buying decision, or a behind-the-scenes look at shop life, Ron delivers the insight listeners rely on.

Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, master technician, and trusted voice in car repair and consumer advice. For more than 30 years, Ron has blended real-world shop experience with straight-talk radio, helping drivers understand their vehicles and the industry with clarity, humor, and honesty. As host of the long-running Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor radio show&mdash;heard nationwide across major networks&mdash;he brings diagnostics, storytelling, and practical wisdom together in a way only a seasoned mechanic can. Whether it&rsquo;s a tough trouble code, a buying decision, or a behind-the-scenes look at shop life, Ron delivers the insight listeners rely on.

Ron Ananian The Car Doctor™

Call Of The Week - Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - May 10, 2025 - Joe from PA, 2010 Chevy Impala Shifter Not Working

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1c6ff6f5-7ea1-4c83-b200-b2d9016a4145/transcript

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