gear shift problem? transmission problem?
 

I have a 2000 Mazda Protege, automatic. I've been having a problem with
my gear shift; at least, I think that's what the problem is. Whenever
it's fairly cool (less than 60 degrees) and dark outside, my car won't
shift out of park. It's as if it doesn't realize that I have my foot on
the brake. Sometimes if I stomp on the brake, that will work, but not
always. Right now, the sun comes up over my apartment building and hits
my car between 8 and 8:30 am (depending on my parking spot). Literally
minutes later, my car will work fine. Any suggestions on what the
problem might be? Thanks!

gear shift problem? transmission problem?
 

> wrote in message
oups.com...
>I have a 2000 Mazda Protege, automatic. I've been having a problem with
> my gear shift; at least, I think that's what the problem is. Whenever
> it's fairly cool (less than 60 degrees) and dark outside, my car won't
> shift out of park. It's as if it doesn't realize that I have my foot on
> the brake. Sometimes if I stomp on the brake, that will work, but not
> always. Right now, the sun comes up over my apartment building and hits
> my car between 8 and 8:30 am (depending on my parking spot). Literally
> minutes later, my car will work fine. Any suggestions on what the
> problem might be? Thanks!

Sounds like the lube on the lockout is getting gummy when cold. Not familiar
with your car so I can't really suggest how to deal with it, except to see
the dealer.

gear shift problem? transmission problem?
 

In article .com>,
wrote:

> I have a 2000 Mazda Protege, automatic. I've been having a problem with
> my gear shift; at least, I think that's what the problem is. Whenever
> it's fairly cool (less than 60 degrees) and dark outside, my car won't
> shift out of park. It's as if it doesn't realize that I have my foot on
> the brake. Sometimes if I stomp on the brake, that will work, but not
> always. Right now, the sun comes up over my apartment building and hits
> my car between 8 and 8:30 am (depending on my parking spot). Literally
> minutes later, my car will work fine. Any suggestions on what the
> problem might be? Thanks!
>

You've got a vampire car? No, on second thought, that would be more
likely to work when it was dark out thatn when daylight hit it...

But seriously...
I'd be betting on something getting cold and sticky overnight, and the
sun warming it up enough to free up and work properly. Wonder what the
local dealership would have to say on it?

--
Don Bruder - - If your "From:" address isn't on my whitelist,
or the subject of the message doesn't contain the exact text "PopperAndShadow"
somewhere, any message sent to this address will go in the garbage without my
ever knowing it arrived. Sorry... <http://www.sonic.net/~dakidd> for more info