Trouble shifting car into drive

[ciderhouse]

My 80 year old mom has a had a Vibe for three years and loves it except she has increasing trouble getting the car out of park. The engine starts fine but she can't seem to get the car in gear. I live 3,000 miles away so I've never been in the car when this happens. I've also driven the car over two weeks periods numerous times and never had any problem. I think its something my mom is doing wrong, rather than something wrong with the car. Any suggestions?

[dcbridgwater]

Does she have here foot on the brake when she shifts out of park? There is a solenoid to lock the shifter unless foot is on brake. Maybe she is not pressing down quite far enough.

[lovemyraffe]

Quote, originally posted by dcbridgwater »Does she have here foot on the brake when she shifts out of park? There is a solenoid to lock the shifter unless foot is on brake. Maybe she is not pressing down quite far enough.+1This is a safety feature that has been required on cars for quite a while now. I don't know the exact date, but I do know that my work truck, a 1992 Dodge Dakota, does not have this safety feature on it.