Suzuki Grand Vitara shift lever stuck in park with brake lights issue and manual release used on Suzuki Grand Vitara

Submitted by bear no. 88 · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Suzuki Grand Vitara owners report experiencing issues with the shift lever being stuck in park, which may be caused by several factors. One common problem is shift interlock failure, preventing the lever from moving out of the park position. Additionally, gravity pulling on the parking pawl can contribute to this issue. Owners may resort to using a manual shift lock release to bypass the shift lock solenoid when the lever is stuck. Furthermore, brake light issues can affect the shift interlock system's operation, complicating the ability to shift out of park. Some Suzuki Vitara models have also faced recalls due to these common problems, indicating the seriousness of the situation. To resolve these issues, owners are advised to check for shift interlock failures, address brake light problems, and utilize manual release options, or consult a professional mechanic for further assistance if necessary.

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