While messing around under the dash today repairing some minor issues I ran accross this "thing" laying next to the steering column attached to nothing more than 2 wires.....I found where it goes and reattached it. It goes where the shift cable attaches and then attaches to a stationary point on the column so the rod moves when you shift along with the cable.....is this the detent adjustment (there is an adjustment on the back side..........but I doubt it is detent).....I did not have time to run it up the street to the GM dealership today to find out what it was.........so............WHAT IS THIS BLASTED THING AND WHAT DOES IT DO????????????????

 

Ummmmmmmmmmmm

 

That is what is called a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Solenoid. It basically is the piece that makes sure you have your foot on the brake when taking the truck out of gear. It also prevents the key from being removed from the switch unless the truck is in park.

 

that makes sense thanks alot

 

Odd that you were still able to shift out of Park with it lying there disconnected. How'd THAT happen???

 

with it disconnected it could not stop the shifter from moving....as far as how that happened....who knows could have been like that since I bought it

 

AHA! So that's why my truck will shift out of park without the brake.

 

finally some one posts on the "can't get it out of park" subject
I'm changing the brake light sw because I thought that was the
problem, but can't access it enough to even get the clip off. do
I need to remove something else? Is it the same thing as what
you referenced in your post?