3 speed auto column shift stuck in park - URGH

[dazaaa]

Back story, been given a 75 cadillac eldorado 8.2 that has been sitting since 1998 in a building and has been a big target for vandals, pretty much everything that can be broken has been smashed. I still really want it, the chassis seems solid and it's only done 40k, body has some minor rust but is generally quite solid. 

Obviously the keys have been lost, someone had attacked the steering barrel in the past (making a horrible mess of the column) but i've managed to get the steering to unlock by removing the barrel and turning the piece inside the column whilst pressing down on the pin inside - the steering is now free. 

Problem is the shifter is stuck in park, it's not the linkage as there is a few mm of movement in the lever which corresponds with movement in the linkage to the gearbox, more like something physically stopping it from moving. Any ideas? I'm in a bit of a rush to get it rolling so I can get it to a safe place to stop anymore damage being done to it.

[frag]

I was going to say remove the prop but these are FWD aren't they .....

Is there some kind of safety interlock or solenoid prevents you from moving shifter without say pressing the brake?
Have you tried it with a battery and ignition on ?

[bortaf]

I'm totaly guessing here but same as above, have you tried pressing the brake pedal and then shifting gear?, i have no idea if it's a mechanical lock or electronic but either way it's usually connected to the brake pedal, electric may need an ign live and a brake pedal signal before it releases

[Rob M]

Ive just been out to my Firebird ( floor mounted shifter) and I cannot move the shifter out of Park unless I turn the ignition on.
I cant recall that being the case with other Autos ive owned, mind you Ive never tried to do that before.
It may just be something 'American'
Hope that helps.
Edit: Pressing the brake pedal/fiddling with the hand brake made no difference.

[porsche944]

Normally a cable that links lock to box, this is the case with the Jeep anyway.

[Ryannn]

My Pajero and CLK (both Auto), you have to have the ignition on and the brake pressed to move the selector.

[dazaaa]

Indeed it is fwd. No chance of getting a battery in or turning the ignition on. Someones cut all of the loom in the engine bay and nicked the alternator + starter so theres not much of the wiring system left, not to mention that the ignition barrel is ruined. It's also in a place where i cant do any work on it. I'm thinking of just getting all four wheels on dollies and getting it on a recovery truck then dealing with everything in my own place. I imagine this is the reason nobody stole the car in the 20 years it's been sitting.

[fad]

My GMC Vandura needed the ignition turned to move the shifter. Likely an American anti theft thing. Dunno if its electronic or not... dollies sounds sensible.

[dodgerover]

Personally I would be asking someone with a Hiab to shift it if it needs to go in a hurry, trying to drag something that big onto a tilt and slide using skates under the wheels could well end in tears.

[dazaaa]

A hiab would be ideal except the car is stuck inside a building with very restricted width and height access. I understand there is a risk the car could slide sideways whilst being winched up, but doing so very slowly with a few people on either side making sure it's going on straight would help prevent this right? I'm thinking of getting someone to fabricate some dollies with locking castors so once it's on the recovery bed they can be locked to stop it sliding off whilst I jack it up and remove the dollies to get it secured.

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome! This sounds fine in theory but i've not done anything like it before, my mate in the recovery business and said this should work if done carefully.

[fad]

You'll be fine, just go very steady! If you drag her on rear end first, with the rear wheels free-spinning, you may not need locking casters. Another option though may be to disconnect drive shafts if you can get to them?

[welshpug]

can you not pop the bonnet, disconnect the linkage and shift it into neutral on the box?

seems most logical way to me!

[colnerov]

Apr 10, 2017 11:58:22 GMT welshpug said:

can you not pop the bonnet, disconnect the linkage and shift it into neutral on the box?

seems most logical way to me!

Hi, Ahh, I wondered how long it would be before someone spotted that.

Colin

[bortaf]

Dony buy dollys just grab some of thos plastic ones from berhind a bakers! they are quite stronge, i moved a loaded transit connect on 4 yesterday (pic to follow)

[dazaaa]

Apr 10, 2017 11:58:22 GMT welshpug said:

can you not pop the bonnet, disconnect the linkage and shift it into neutral on the box?

seems most logical way to me!

Yes this is possible, I can see the linkage and there's plenty of access in the enormous engine bay. Then i'd need to deal with the seized brakes. Front discs I can just drain the fluid and push the pistons in(atleast I hope so?) but the rear drums....well I have no clue. 

Had a look around it the other day, the rear footwells are holding a 2 inch deep puddle of water but the floor looks pretty solid from underneath, strange.

[dazaaa]

Apr 10, 2017 14:23:40 GMT bortaf said:

Dony buy dollys just grab some of thos plastic ones from berhind a bakers! they are quite stronge, i moved a loaded transit connect on 4 yesterday (pic to follow)

I'm not sure I want to risk 2.4 tonnes of detroit iron on those plastic dollies 

Btw, I was worried about whether the caddy would fit on my mates beavertail but looking at your icon, if someone managed that I should be fine! (thats assuming it's a beavertail in your icon, I can't tell.

[frag]

I'd like to see some pics of this 'project' ,
including rescuing it from where it sits....

[dazaaa]

Apr 10, 2017 19:54:51 GMT frag said:

I'd like to see some pics of this 'project' ,
including rescuing it from where it sits....

Is there any easy way to upload pics directly to the forum? Rather than to a hosting site? If so I can post some up

[dazaaa]

Edit - i've had to remove the pictures on request of the building owner who doesn't want the location given away on a public forum for security reasons blah blah. Will repost them once it's been moved.

[drdick]

I don't know about the transmission problem (although I would guess it has a solenoid locking it in park which is gonna make your life difficult) but that is awesome. I'd put a screen in it and drive it like that.......