Q&A

 Journeyman

try jumping your brake light switch, it's on the top of the brake pedal, look up & you'll see it. jumper the two terminals together & see if you can shift. it's uncommon but possible for the switch to operate the brake lights but not let you shift

 Enthusiast

your car has a solenoid that unlocks the gear shift lever when brake pedal is pressed and is located by the floor shift lever. Solenoid could be bad or sticking. The same type of solenoid is used for door locks. 1. You can replace the solenoid or disable it(that's what i did on my 99 Tracer) because you really don't need it. If you want to disable it remove the plastic housing and pull plunger forward and wire it. This will take it out of the system and disconnect the wire connector. Most cars today have this setup and it is a pain in the rear and like i said YOU don't need it. Most people have their foot on the brake when car is put in gear. Hope this helps. Hardcase 1 Jack of all Trades PS Solenoid is energized by the brake pedal-if brake lights work than the brakelight switch is ok -if not than replace brakelight switch first. BUT in most cases its the Solenoid

Try putting the key into the ignition, turn it clockwwise one notch, then put the gearshift selector into neutral. There will be a reason for this malfuntion to occur and do not neglect finding it. Be sure to check your stoplights,then drive using hand signals to a good service shop. Finding the ignition switch position to overide this safety feature could be trickey. Imagine the key position in the following way: counterclockwise one notch is accessories; key in out is 0; notch one clockwise is safety overide; notch 2 is the run position; (lights in the dash) and notch 3 is the starter position.