No not normal. You should not be able to move through the gears
Shift interlock cable prevents this form happening and is a major safety concern as you are now.
BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK MECHANISM
DESCRIPTION
The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock System (BTSI), consists of a Park-Interlock cable and a solenoid mounted in
the shift lever assembly. The Park-Interlock cable connects the automatic transmission floor mounted shifter to the
steering column ignition switch.
OPERATION
The system locks the shifter into the PARK position. The interlock system is engaged whenever the ignition switch
is in the LOCK or ACCESSORY position. An additional electrically activated feature will prevent shifting out of the
PARK position unless the brake pedal is depressed approximately one-half an inch. A magnetic holding device in
the shift lever assembly is energized when the ignition is in the RUN position. When the key is in the RUN position
and the brake pedal is depressed, the shifter is unlocked and will move into any position. The interlock system also
prevents the ignition switch from being turned to the LOCK or ACCESSORY position, unless the shifter is fully
locked into the PARK position.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM
1. Verify that the key can only be removed in the PARK position
2. When the shift lever is in PARK And the shift handle pushbutton is in the “OUT” position, the ignition key cylinder
should rotate freely from OFF to LOCK. When the shifter is in any other gear or neutral position, the ignition key
cylinder should not rotate to the LOCK position.
3. Shifting out of PARK should not be possible when the ignition key cylinder is in the OFF position.
4. Shifting out of PARK should not be possible while applying normal pushbutton force and ignition key cylinder is
in the RUN or START positions unless the foot brake pedal is depressed approximately 1/2 inch (12mm).
5. Shifting out of PARK should not be possible when the ignition key cylinder is in the ACCESSORY or LOCK
positions.
6. Shifting between any gears, NEUTRAL or into PARK may be done without depressing foot brake pedal with
ignition switch in RUN or START positions.
PARK INTERLOCK CABLE
REMOVAL
1. Lower the steering column.
2. With the ignition switch in the “RUN” position
depress the park-interlock cable locking tab (2),
located on top of the cable connector at the steering
column and pull the cable straight out.
3. Remove the park-interlock cable from steering column.
4. Remove the floor console and related trim. (Refer
to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
REMOVAL)
5. Disconnect the park-interlock cable (3) from the
shift lever assembly and remove the cable from the
shifter assembly bracket.
6. Release the park-interlock cable from any remaining
clips.
7. Remove park-interlock cable from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: The gearshift cable must be secured into
position and properly adjusted before the installation
of the Park-Interlock Cable.
1. Push the park-interlock cable (3) straight into the
square mounting hole in the steering column until
cable snaps in place.
2. Snap park-interlock cable tie strap into hole in
steering column tube.
3. Route cable to the shifter mechanism.
4. Install the cable end fitting into shifter lever (1).
5. Snap cable adjuster ears into floor shifter bracket.
6. Place the ignition key cylinder in the LOCK position.
7. Push the cable adjuster lock clamp downward to
lock it.
8 . Test the park-interlock cable operation.
9. Install the floor console and related trim. (Refer to
23 - BODY/INTERIOR/FLOOR CONSOLE -
INSTALLATION)
ADJUSTMENTS - PARK-INTERLOCK CABLE
The park-interlock cable is part of the Brake Transmission
Shift Interlock (BTSI) system. Correct cable
adjustment is important to proper interlock operation.
The gear shift and park lock cables must both be correctly
adjusted in order to shift out of PARK.
1. Remove floor console as necessary for access to
the park-interlock cable. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/
FLOOR CONSOLE - REMOVAL)
2. Shift the transmission into the PARK position.
3. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Be sure
ignition key cylinder is in the LOCK position.
Cable will not adjust correctly in any other
position.
4. Pull cable lock button up to release cable (3).
5. Ensure that the cable is free to self-adjust by pushing
cable rearward and releasing.
6. Push lock button down until it snaps in place.
7. Verify proper operation. (Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/
AUTOMATIC/SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)
