Why doesn't my 89 Honda Accord show that I am in Park I put it in park.

Asked by makemyn4 Dec 15, 2013 at 09:39 AM about the 1989 Honda Accord LXi

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have an 89 Honda Accord. I can put the car into Park, so it appears, but the light on the
dash does not show it in park.  And since it doesn't show it in park, I can turn the car off,
but cannot take the key out and I cannot press the button on the gear changer to move it
back into any other gear. Can you tell me what is causing this?

1 Answer

5,215

Mounted slightly forward and above the ignition tumbler there is an interlock solenoid. The plunger on this solenoid connects to the interlock lever. The engagement of the interlock lever prevents key removal, particularly when it's cold. Shift lever must be in "P" with "P" illuminated for solenoid to release the interlock lever. The following remedy has worked for me in the past. To prevent the interlock lever from ever engaging in the first place, 1. Remove the steering column cover (6 screws). 2. Locate the interlock solenoid. 3. Remove the small white plastic cover to expose the plunger of the solenoid and the groove in the interlock lever. 4. Remove the two screws that secure the solenoid. Lift the solenoid up slightly to disengage the plunger from the interlock lever. 5. Move the interlock lever toward the steering column. 6. Install the solenoid so its' plunger is no longer engaged with the groove in the interlock lever. 7. Install white plastic cover and steering column cover.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1989 Honda Accord

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    JP1956
    Reputation
    6,870
  • #2
    Fredbrillo
    Reputation
    5,320
  • #3
    Jonathan Ford
    Reputation
    3,850
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
2,091 Great Deals out of 37,807 listings starting at $575
Used Honda Civic
1,371 Great Deals out of 29,067 listings starting at $600
Used Toyota Corolla
1,663 Great Deals out of 24,787 listings starting at $975
Used Honda Accord Coupe
70 Great Deals out of 1,027 listings starting at $1,050
Used BMW 3 Series
1,161 Great Deals out of 13,098 listings starting at $516
Used Nissan Maxima
243 Great Deals out of 3,530 listings starting at $2,400
Used Ford Mustang
877 Great Deals out of 23,035 listings starting at $1,150
Used Lexus ES
459 Great Deals out of 8,695 listings starting at $1,000

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Honda Accord For Sale
57 Great Deals out of 11,014 listings starting at $24,984
2023 Honda Accord For Sale
90 Great Deals out of 1,117 listings starting at $21,855
2022 Honda Accord For Sale
116 Great Deals out of 1,531 listings starting at $19,499
2021 Honda Accord For Sale
187 Great Deals out of 2,914 listings starting at $16,648
2020 Honda Accord For Sale
130 Great Deals out of 1,700 listings starting at $11,997

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.