Anyone who has ever found themselves with their car stuck in park knows how frustrating and stressful it can be. Whether you're on the side of the road or stuck in a parking lot, it's not a situation anyone wants to be in. But what do you do when your car just won't shift out of park, and you need to get it towed?

Why Is My Car Stuck in Park

Automatic transmissions rely on a system that locks the car in park when the vehicle is not moving. The issue could be caused by a malfunction in the transmission system, a faulty brake switch, or something as simple as the car's safety mechanism preventing the car from being shifted without the brake pedal being pressed. 

In some cases, it might even be a dead battery or something related to the electronic system that’s causing the issue. While troubleshooting the cause might be difficult without professional assistance, knowing why your car is stuck can help when deciding the next steps.

Step 1: Check the Parking Brake

The first thing you should check when your car is stuck in park is the parking brake. It might sound obvious, but sometimes the parking brake can get engaged without realizing it. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released before you try anything else. If it's stuck or seized, it could be preventing your car from shifting out of park. Try gently rocking the car back and forth while pressing the brake pedal to release any tension.

Step 2: Turn Off the Engine and Restart

If the parking brake isn’t the issue, sometimes a simple reset can help. Try turning off the engine, waiting for a minute, and then restarting the car. This can sometimes reset the electronic systems and release the lock on the shifter. If your car has an electronic shift lock, this might work to override any glitches that have caused the system to malfunction. Always ensure that the brake pedal is pressed when trying this step.

Step 3: Use the Shift Lock Release

Modern cars often come with a shift lock release mechanism that can be used in situations like this. This feature is designed to allow you to manually override the shift lock in case your car gets stuck in park. In most vehicles, there’s a small cover near the gear shift that you can pop open to access the release. You may need to use a flat tool or a pen to press the button or lever inside. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to use this feature, as each car may have slightly different instructions.

Step 4: Check the Brake Pedal Switch

The brake pedal switch plays an essential role in shifting your car out of park. If this switch fails, it can prevent you from shifting the car, leaving you stuck in park. This switch detects when the brake pedal is pressed and signals the transmission to allow you to move the shifter. If you suspect a faulty brake pedal switch, it’s best to have a professional assess and fix the issue, but in the meantime, you can try to manually check for the switch’s operation. If you can, make sure the brake pedal is fully engaged when you attempt to shift.

Step 5: Disconnect the Battery

If none of the above steps work, the problem could be electrical. In this case, disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can sometimes reset the system and allow you to shift out of park. It’s worth trying if you're in a pinch, but keep in mind that disconnecting the battery might cause other issues with your car’s electronics. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it might be time to call in a professional.

Preparing Your Car for Towing

If you've tried all of the above and your car is still stuck in park, it’s time to prepare for a tow. Here’s how to get your car ready:

• Put the Car in Neutral (If Possible): If you’ve managed to get your car out of park but can’t get it to start, or if the car is still stuck in park, try using the shift lock release to move the shifter into neutral. Most towing companies will want the car to be in neutral so that it can be properly loaded onto the flatbed or towed without damage.
• Use Wheel Straps for Towing: Automatic cars are typically towed using wheel straps or a flatbed. Never let a tow truck company use a hook lift or lift the car by its rear axle, as this can cause serious damage to the transmission. Be sure to tell the towing company that your car is stuck in park so they can use the appropriate towing method.
• Leave the Key in the Ignition: While towing your car, the ignition will need to be in the "on" or "accessory" position. This allows the steering wheel to remain unlocked and ensures the tow truck can safely move the vehicle.
• Notify the Tow Driver About the Problem: Be clear with the tow truck driver about the issue. Let them know if the car is stuck in park and, if possible, any troubleshooting you've already attempted. This way, they can take additional precautions when towing your car.

If you're stuck in park and need immediate assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Naples Towing & Recovery. Our towing services are fast and reliable, ensuring your vehicle is safely transported to our shop for a thorough inspection.