[snic]

Why don't you just take it to the dealer and get it fixed under the Voltec warranty?

And if you don't want to do that, at least take a look at the TSB, linked to in other threads, for this issue. It shows the parts needed and how to replace them. You don't need an entire shift lever, just a cheap switch and wiring harness. <$30 and much less if you buy an aftermarket switch rather than a genuine GM part.

But... the dealer will do it for free.

 

[soylentgreen]

Value of my time, mostly. I've read a number of people having trouble with the dealer

• dealer refuses to cover it under warranty
• dealer won't answer questions until they diagnose it themselves
• part isn't in stock

etc.

If I can pay $60 and spend 20 minutes of my time to solve this problem once and for all, and not have to deal with the dealer, that's a win for me

 

[Off Oil]

There is a contact cleaning procedure documented in the TSB. Remove the shift knob, flick the lever ~30 times to clean the contacts, replace the knob. My shifter has been replaced, and I still get the error occasionally.

 

[phattyduck]

If I can pay $60 and spend 20 minutes of my time to solve this problem once and for all, and not have to deal with the dealer, that's a win for me

I'm in this camp. Though it will cost less than that and take more time than that. I also used the opportunity to do a deep clean of that center console. The previous owner used it as a coffee drip tray...

The dealer is much more likely to mess things up than I am - I care about my car and they don't. And it will take the same amount of my time - during the day when I'd rather be at the office (or early morning sleeping) to get the the work done for 'free'. I repaired the car in one relaxing evening while sipping a beer... much better than dealing with the dealer.

-Charlie

 

[gregh2000]

My wife's Buick Regal was doing the shift to park...

I opened up the shifter and I noticed the little metal part that pushes comes off the switch on the Buick. Mostly by accident because I was trying to bend it. Anyway it popped off and I bent it a bit back and then I popped it back in place and it was fixed. Knock on wood my Volt hasn't been stupid yet...

 

[soylentgreen]

I ordered the part, it arrives this weekend - assuming it's what I think it is, I'll do a little writeup of the installation.

 

[soylentgreen]

Update: my short-term fix (adding a little plastic tube to the nubbin) did not hold - I started getting the "Shift to Park" errors after a few days. I was able, however, to flick the shifter a few times to get it to clear. But I want a permanent fix.

I ordered part 13534319, and when it arrived I confirmed that it is the right part - it includes everything one needs.

I replaced it by following the instructions in the video at the top of this thread.

A few pointers or tips:

• You do not have to un-plug the 4 connectors as shown in the video - it's possible to push the cover to the side giving you enough room to work.
• You really need a good 10mm offset wrench as shown in the video. I was able to get the nut off with a regular 10mm wrench, and using a 10mm socket where I grabbed the sides of the socket with some pliers, but it was a pain in the ass. Buy the right tool (which costs about $15) and you will not regret it.
• When removing the 10mm nut, the bolt can start turning - it helps to use your other hand to hold the bolt in place so the square flange prevents the bolt from turning.

 

[Zut]

On my 2017 Volt, the Shift-to-Park issue occurs every couple of months or so. It’s happened about 10 times now. When it first happened I slowly pushed the trigger on the shift lever and heard a quiet click, indicating to me that the mechanism activates a micro switch. I don’t think any amount of bending or adding spacers would effect a long term cure.

I prefer the simple approach - my solution is to just squeeze the trigger a couple of times and the problem goes away. This may not satisfy everyone.

If I decide to keep the car much longer I’ll take it to the dealer for a free repair.

 

[wkiri]

I've had this problem with my 2017 Volt for two years. I took it to the dealer when the problem started in 2020 and was told it wasn't covered under warranty and that I would have to pay to install a new "wiring harness", so I just put up with it. From this forum I'm learning that it's a more localized issue (just the switch) and it definitely sounds like it should be covered under warranty. Thanks for the additional insights and sharing your experiences! If/when my Volt ever gets its BECM replaced (for which it's now been waiting 6 weeks), I'll inquire again about getting the shift-to-park issue fixed.