Gear shifter locked

Hi, I'm one of the auto experts on RepairPal's Car Genius team! Great question, and a locked gear shifter is definitely a frustrating situation! On your 2006 Chevy Equinox the most common cause of a locked shifter is the brake transmission shift interlock system, which is a safety feature that prevents the shifter from moving out of park unless the brake pedal is pressed. If the brake light switch is faulty or has failed it can prevent the system from recognizing that the brake is being pressed, keeping the shifter locked. A blown fuse related to the shift interlock circuit is another quick thing worth checking. Most vehicles including the Equinox also have a manual shift lock override, which is typically a small slot near the shifter that you can insert a key or small tool into to manually release the shifter in an emergency. However this is only a temporary workaround and the underlying cause should still be diagnosed and repaired. A qualified shop can quickly identify whether it's the brake light switch, the shift interlock solenoid, or something else keeping the shifter locked. If you need any further advice or would like help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area or even getting an appointment booked, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554 or check out https://repairpal.com/certified