Unable to Engage Park
The TCM commands the park pawl to engage but the position sensors do not confirm engagement — typical for shift-by-wire systems where the park actuator (motor or solenoid driving the pawl) is faulty, the cable is broken, or the pawl is jammed against a tooth and cannot drop in.
Affected components
- Park actuator
- Park pawl
Common causes
- High likelihood: Park pawl jammed against tooth (rock vehicle to release)
- Medium likelihood: Failed park actuator motor
Possible symptoms
- Check engine or transmission warning light on
- Harsh, delayed, or missing shifts
- Possible limp mode (locked in one gear)
- Slipping or shuddering during gear changes
Diagnostic notes
- The malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate
Sources
Diagnostic information is provided for reference only. Confirm the code with a compatible scan tool and follow the vehicle manufacturer's service procedures before replacing components.