Thread: Stuck in park & no brake lights!!

Unplug the connector, turn the main switch counter-clockwise (left) until it stops, pull out old switch. Remove the round plastic adjuster/holder out of the bracket. Replace with the new units. Just reverse the procedure to get everything in place. TIP: Make sure when you re-install the new switch, that the main button of the switch is compressed all the way down against the brake pedal. If you look at your current set-up, look what happens...

I'll give it a shot tonite. The shifter has locked up 3 times today already. Thanks.

Thanks. I just got back from the Honda dealership and paid $9.55 for a new switch. Before I bought it, I cleaned the old one and plugged it back in the harness so the spring loaded button would keep the brake lights on. It would work but go off about every 3rd or 4th time I'd release the button so I decided it was time for a new one. The new one looks more "beefy" so hopefully it will last longer (the Ody only has 39,000 miles...

Yes, that is the dreaded brake light switch. Mine started out the same way as yours. If gets more and more difficult to get it out of park till one day no amount of standing on the peddel will help. If you get to this stage prior to buying the switch there is an "out". Did you ever wonder what the little plastic plug on top of your steering column is? It's the port to the manual parking lock release. You pop off the cover,...

Your problem might be of different nature. The problem I had was related to a switch going bad, so a car computer didn't know if the brake pedal was depressed. My ody will not allow you to switch gears before you press on a brake pedal. I didn't have any problems with brakes per se, pedal worked normally, and braking was okay. If your brakes work unusually, I strongly suggest you inspect them or have someone else do that. I...

quote: Originally posted by galets Your problem might be of different nature. The problem I had was related to a switch going bad, so a car computer didn't know if the brake pedal was depressed. My ody will not allow you to switch gears before you press on a brake pedal. I didn't have any problems with brakes per se, pedal worked normally, and braking was okay. If your brakes work unusually, I strongly suggest you inspect them or...

quote: Originally posted by William Wiles Thr range switch sends the signals back to the "tree" to light up the indicators showing what range the transmission is in. The P signal is also used to pick the solonoid to unlock the shift lever. Stopping and starting the engine does nothing. Wiggling the shift lever or moving the van slightly may cause enough movement at the range switch to get it to work. It could be maladjusted or it...

gsuch, EricD in the thread I linked for you is a dealer service manager. He is not active here anymore. However, in that thread he lists a Honda service bulletin that describes your exact problem. When you take it in, reference that tsb. As a matter of fact, print it out and take it with you.

Haven't done it personally, but don't you just unplug the connector and unscrew the switch and vice versa? Tighten all the way then back out 3/4 turn and tighten the locking nut and hook up connector.

Thanks to this thread for helping me replace the brake switch in our 03 Odyssey. It's amazing how a simple $7 part can strand your wife at the store.