Nissan Sentra typically are reliable cars. However, they did have their fair share of problems throughout the years. In this article, we wrote an extensive article about all the common problems you´ll run into with a Nissan Sentra. Today, we´ll look specifically at the shift lock problem. Here is a quick summary:
2020 Nissan Sentra had shift lock problems after the faulty replacement of a Body Control Module and needed to be reprogrammed, whereas the 2010 – 2015 Sentra had shifter selectors getting stuck in park because of a faulty solenoid, shifter cable or brake pedal position sensor.
However, that certainly doesn´t tell us everything about the shift lock problems on a Nissan Sentra. Below, we´ll give you a detailed look at the two potential issues, what caused them and how you can fix them. Read on!
Two Potential Issues
First of all, it´s good to know that there are two potential problems with the shift lock of the Nissan Sentra:
- 2020 models had an official service bulletin for a shift lock and remote start that would become inoperative.
- 2010 – 2015 have unconfirmed complaints about the shift lock getting stuck, therefore not allowing the driver to shift out of Park.
Below we´ll first look at the 2020 shift lock service bulletin; after that, we´ll discuss the shift lock getting stuck into Park problem.
2020 Shift Lock Service Bulletin
The 2020 Sentra had a service bulletin that was quite specific. In some cases, the Body Control Module (BCM) needed to be serviced or replaced. If the intelligent key unlock button was pushed before this BCM was correctly configured, the remote start and the shift lock release will become inoperable. Reprogramming the BCM module was the only way to fix this.
Shifter Stuck In Park Problem
Another issue Nissan Sentra owners had to deal with was the shift lock getting stuck into the Park position and not being able to get the vehicle out of Park. This mainly happened with the 2010 – 2015 model years with a CVT. One owner stated the following:
Unable to drive car because the transmission gear control was locked in the P position. The release would not allow me to place the car into any other gear. Had to have a new gear control assembly ordered and replace the existing one. The car had only 117,000 miles on it.
Source
Typically, this will be a problem with the brake pedal position sensor, the shifter cable, or the shift lock solenoid. No matter the problem, if you want a quick, temporary solution, use the manual override option, as displayed in the video below.
If it´s a problem with the brake pedal position sensor, this means your vehicle isn´t registering it when you press the brake pedal. Therefore, it won´t allow you to shift into Park. The brake pedal position sensor is located near the top part of your brake pedal, and replacing it will set you.
Did you know that Nissan Sentra have also had problems with its engine control module and the battery? Click on the links to read detailed articles about these problems.
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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