Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Circuit/System Description
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a floor mounted console gear shift, it has an electronic park lock (EPL) system. The EPL system purpose is to prevent the ignition key from being turned to the OFF position when the transmission is in any position other than PARK and the vehicle may still be moving. The EPL system consists of an ignition lock cylinder solenoid, and a park position switch that is located in the A/T shift lock control switch. The ignition lock cylinder solenoid contains a pin that is spring loaded to mechanically prevent the ignition key cylinder from being turned to the lock position when it is not energized. The park position switch receives voltage from the accessory voltage circuit when the ignition is turned ON. When the transmission shift selector is in PARK, the park position switch closes and energizes the ignition lock cylinder solenoid retracting the pin, allowing the ignition switch to be turned OFF. If vehicle power is lost, and/or the transmission is not in the Park position the operator will not be able to turn the ignition key to the lock position and will not be able to remove the ignition key from the column.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.