Have a 03 Nissan Pathfinder, I can't get the shifter to release

more then likely due to faulty brake pedal sensor or shift lock. when pressing the break pedal you should hear a click at the shifter even when brake pedal is lightly depressed, if there is no audible click, issue will need to be verified if due to brake pedal sensor or the actual shift lock on the shifter,

Scott, Yes it could be the relay/solenoid faulty or weak. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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how to get out of stuck in park in pathfinder
Shift Lock Problem Phatfinder 2001
Shifter stuck in park
2001 pathfinder shift lock solenoid Google Search

Your question is too vague. Brakes don't "lock".
Turn ignition on, but do NOT start engine. Step on brake pedal and you should hear a Click near the gear shift lever. This is the relay that unlocks the gear shift. If you don't hear a click each time you tap the brake pedal, you have an electrical problem - bad relay, break in wiring etc. You will likely need to have it towed to dealer for diagnosis/repair.

There is a small shift lock control in the shifter housing.... It's controlled by a switch behind the brake pedal.

Sometimes those switches come loose and/or break off.

I would check near the brake pedal with the engine running....

Get your ear close and press pedal by hand and listen for the clicking sound as you press down.

You would hear the clicking near the shifter if the switch was working.

If you don't hear it, the problem is either the switch at the pedal or the control at the base of the shifter itself.

Hope this helps.

you should hear a click from the solenoid when you apply the brakes. If your brake lights don't work, your shift lock release won't either. There is a bypass method for emergencies in your owner manual. Check fuse for brake lights. And switch on brake pedal

When pressing the brake pedal, you should hear a click at the shifter, as the shift-lock mechanism is releasing the lock on the shifter. If the sound isn't heard, there may be a defective shift lock solenoid (which may require replacing entire shifter assembly, depending upon model). Otherwise you may need to remove access cover at top of shifter to insert a screwdriver to push down on the bypass latch so you can shift out of park. You will also need to push down on latch to go back to park.

I have had this problem as well on an 01' Pathfinder. It's not the transmission. There are two elements to your shifter not being able to unlock/move. The first is a Shift Lock Relay which is located next to the brake pedal arm under the dash. When you step on the brake to shift it out of park, this relay sends a signal to the next component, which is called a Shift Lock Solenoid. This solenoid is located next to the shifter itself under the console cover. When you step on the brake you should hear a "click". This click is the lock solenoid on the shifter releasing, at which point you can push in the button on the shifter and move it to reverse or drive. If you do not hear the click, you can't push in the button and move the shifter. Listen for the click. If you do not hear it, it's most likely a faulty relay or soleniod, which can easily be replaced. I have a Chilton's repair manual picked up from the local auto parts shop that does have this solenoid shown and how to remove and test it. You have to remove the console to get at it. The manual will walk you through this as well. Basic hand tools are all that is needed. A new shift lock solenoid can be purchased from your local Nissan dealer. The parts stores around here (Minnesota) such as O'Reilley's, Autozone, Napa, etc. do not carry them. Mine was $125 from Nissan. There are two different solenoids depending on your VIN number. One was used on early 2001 models and a different one on later 2001 models. Write down your VIN number and bring it with you to the dealer. I had to do this since the part is not stocked and had to be ordered. They couldn't just compare the old part to the new one from a shelf. It took two days to get the new solenoid. I put the new one in place, snapped the wire connector back on and life was good again. No more listening to my wife gripe about it taking 10 minutes to get it in gear and out of the driveway.

If you don't mind the hassle, a small screwdriver can be inserted into the shift lock (you must remove the very small cover just above the PRND1 display) Use one hand to push straight down into the hole while simultaneously pressing in on the shifter. Just a little extra work, until you can get it fixed, but at least you won't be sitting there forever.

I don't believe the previous post/answer was correct. I have had this problem as well on an 01' Pathfinder. It's NOT the transmission. There are two elements to your shifter not being able to unlock/move. The first is a Shift Lock Relay which is located next to the brake pedal arm under the dash. When you step on the brake to shift it out of park, the arm hits the relay and this relay sends a signal to the next component, which is called a Shift Lock Solenoid. This solenoid is located next to the shifter itself under the console cover. When you step on the brake you should hear a "click". This click is the lock solenoid on the shifter releasing, at which point you can push in the button on the shifter and move it to reverse or drive. If you do not hear the click, you can't push in the button and move the shifter. Listen for the click. If you do not hear it, have somone check if your brake lights come on when you step on the brake pedal. If they do not come on, it's a faulty relay which can easily be replaced. It's not sending the signal to the lock solenoid telling it the brake pedal is being depressed. Look under the dash right next to the brake pedal arm and you will see it. If your brake lights come on, but no click is heard, try adjusting the relay to be closer to the pedal arm. If that does not work, it's most likely the lock solenoid next to the shifter under the console. (This was my issue). I have a Chilton's repair manual picked up from the local auto parts shop that does have this solenoid shown and how to remove and test it. You have to remove the console to get at it which is easy, but a pain in the rear. The manual will walk you through this as well. Basic hand tools are all that is needed. A new shift lock solenoid can be purchased from your local Nissan dealer. The parts stores around here (Minnesota) such as O'Reilley's, Autozone, Napa, etc. do not carry them. Mine was $125 from Nissan. There are two different solenoids depending on your VIN number. One was used on early 2001 models and a different one on later 2001 models. Write down your VIN number and bring it with you to the dealer. I had to do this since the part is not stocked and had to be ordered. They couldn't just compare the old part to the new one from a shelf. It took two days to get the new solenoid. I put the new one in place, snapped the wire connector back on and life was good again. No more listening to my wife gripe about it taking 10 minutes to get it in gear and out of the driveway. Hope this helps Scott.

THE CLICKING NOISE IS THE SHIFTER LOCK RELEASING, NOTHING TO DO WITH BRAKE LITES. CHECK FOR GOOD GROUNDS AT REAR LIGHT SOCKETS.

do you hear any clicking while you are pressing on the brake pedal?? inside the center console?? if not than your shift lolck solenoid is acting up. If clicking is heard, than poss. of your parking gears sticking. have you ever put this thing into PARK, while you were still moving?? Than could casue it also.