Hard to shift from Park - sometimes

[LFalconer]

2006 Truck in sig with 81K all stock...

First start of the day or after sitting, the shift level is hard to get out of park, even with firm brake pedal pressure. Once you drive, then park say at a store, get back in, not so much.

Any thoughts on what may be causing this? Getting concerned that one day the lever may not move at all, this would not be great to say the least.

Thanks!

Luke

 

[Hoefler]

I had a the same issue in my 05, it was the valve body causing it.

 

[BDaugherty]

First check the shift interlock on the steering column. You can disconnect it and if the problem persists, it's the park detent ball worn into the valve body. Sonnax makes a kit to repair it.
http://www.sonnax.com/parts/1836

 

[Kry226]

I use my parking brake everytime it goes into park to prevent this kind of wear and a little extra measure of security never hurts...especially with our trucks' prior history of coming out of park on their own.

 

[Regcabguy]

You're not shifting into park and rolling back on it are you?
I always shift into neutral on a hill,set the brake,then into park it goes.
Gives the parking pawl a break.

 

[LFalconer]

Thanks all for the ideas. I will try the parking brake set then shift into park, maybe the pawl is getting worn. Good link to Sonnax.

Thanks!!!

 

[PWong]

Google 48RE detent bullet. Better than Sonnax. No need to drill.

 

[LFalconer]

Thanks! this is the youtube that Goerend has on the detent bullet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ttBlZJjCB4

Luke