'09 C5 auto gearlever

[milleplod]

What infernal device is it exactly that makes the gearlever awkward to get out of 'park'?! Noticed it over the last few weeks - some days its worse than others. I'm assuming its a mechanical lock that's sticking - easy or nightmare fix?!

Pete

[GiveMeABreak]

It's called 'Shift Lock' Pete.
Causes listed are:

• The battery voltage
• The "shift lock"
• The selector lever position switch
• The automatic gearbox ECU
• The wiring harness

To unlock the selection lever from the " P " position, switch on the ignition and depress the brake pedal.

Remove the Surround with a trim removal tool carefully

Unlock the "shift lock" with the aid of a screwdriver - Press on (2) (In the direction of the arrow ).
Move the selector lever to disengage it from the "P" position.

I can't see a separate part listed for this bit separately though... so try and get a little grease on there if poss.

[milleplod]

Thanks Marc! Off out to the car right now to have a look!

Pete

[CitroJim]

It might well be covered in sticky fluff and other rubbish... It's amazing what creeps down under trim over the years...

[milleplod]

Can't get the gearlever off for some reason, which is making it a bit awkward to see into the depths! Will it hurt if I take off the white plastic 'gate' that's held on with 4 large Philips screws do you think?! I'd be able to see into where the lock is then. I might squirt some cleaner down there - electrical? Or silicone spray??

Pete

[milleplod]

Unbelievable!! I took the plunge and squirted electrical cleaner in there - the gearstick is as light as a feather now....no sticking/stifness whatsoever! I'm amazed - 'fixes' are normally something that create other jobs for me....but only when I'm doing the 'fix'!

Something had been spilled down there a while ago - choc milk shake, I believe! I cleaned it from around the 'snow' and 'sport' buttons after advice on here, I assume some of it might have got down as far as the lock. When I cleaned it from the switch panel, it had congealed into a horrible, gluey mass that was almost solid - that could've been my problem!

Pete

[jgra1]

I dare not look in mine Pete, coffee will be my nemesis some of it self administered too!

[GiveMeABreak]

A small amount of silicon selectively sprayed will help with the lubrication - but don't use WD40 and try and avoid the electrics if poss.

[EDC5]

I'd like to add that mine was the same when I first got it. It would only release from park half of the time without repeated jabs of the brake pedal. In my case it turned out to be the transmission interlock relay that is located in the passenger footwell. I changed the relay and it now works 10/10. I'm not sure exactly what was wrong with the old relay, but I presume that it had gone high resistance what with the activation every time the brake is pressed.