Ignition Lock System Description
All vehicles equipped with a column-mounted shift lever contain both mechanical and electrical neutral safety start systems. These systems rely on a mechanical block as well as an electrical switch in order to prevent starting the engine in any gear other than PARK or NEUTRAL. The mechanical block is a wedge-shaped lock bolt that is added to the ignition switch actuator rod. In either PARK or NEUTRAL, the wedge-shaped lock bolt passes through the slots in the shift bowl and the lock bolt allows the lock cylinder to turn and start the engine.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Description
The brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system prevents the automatic transmission from being shifted out of PARK unless the brake pedal is depressed. When the brake pedal is depressed, the BTSI solenoid releases a lock pawl. This enables the shift linkage to move and the shift lever to operate.
When service operations are required, the BTSI system can be overridden.
On vehicles equipped with a column-mounted shift lever, override the BTSI system by performing the following steps
- Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position
- Remove battery voltage from the solenoid
- Turn the ignition switch to the ON position
For vehicles equipped with floor-mounted shift levers, an override lever is mounted on the right side of the assembly. The override lever can be accessed by removing the shift lever boot. Push the lever to the left in order to override the BTSI.