Description & Operation: Introduction

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, and 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The automatic transmission shift lock control system is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the engine is running. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:

The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid.
The body control module (BCM).
The powertrain control module (PCM).

With the ignition in the ON position, battery positive voltage is supplied to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid receives a ground from the BCM. When the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is energized, the shift lever is mechanically locked in the PARK position. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the PCM sends a class 2 serial data message to the BCM. The BCM turns OFF the ground control circuit and this de-energizes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. When the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is de-energized, the shift lever may be moved out of the PARK position.

The BCM determines transaxle shift lever position through a class 2 serial data message from the PCM. The PCM receives inputs from the park/neutral position (PNP) switch and determines shift lever position. When the BCM receives this information and determines that the shift lever is out of the PARK position, the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid ground is opened.