Column Shift

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Cadillac DeVille. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The column shift system consists of the following components:

The park relay
The automatic transmission shift lock solenoid
The automatic transmission shift lock control switch
The rear integration module (RIM)
The powertrain control module (PCM)

With the ignition ON, positive voltage is supplied from the ignition switch to the coil side feed circuit of the park relay. The RIM receives a gear position input signal from the PCM through a class 2 serial data message. When the RIM receives a PARK position message from the PCM, the RIM applies a ground to the control circuit of the park relay. This energizes the relay, closing the switch contracts in the relay. Battery voltage flows through the relay to the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. With the brake pedal released, voltage flows through the normally closed contacts of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is permanently grounded. This energizes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid, mechanically locking the shift lever in the PARK position. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the contacts of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch open, de-energizing the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. This allows the shift lever to be moved out of the PARK position.

When the shift lever is moved out of the PARK position, the PCM sends a class 2 serial data message to the RIM. The RIM then opens the ground path of the park relay control circuit, de-energizing the park relay and disabling the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. Once the vehicle is out of PARK, the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid remains de-energized until the RIM receives a PARK signal from the PCM.