I have a problem with my 2003 s-type with gear shift stuck on park. what could be the problem? it started with the gears not engaging properly and sometimes making a loud sound

 

Low fluid? Changed it?

If it's a 6-speed (so, up to 5 on J-gate) also check the 2 bolts holding the shift cable to the trans side.

 

Can you diy and check the bolts as JagV8 suggested?
Can you replace the shifter if it needs to be replaced?

If not just take it to a dealer.
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I'm not sure about the engagement problem and noises. The first thing to check there is the fluid level.

Re: The lever stuck in Park. This could be several things.

As previously suggested, check the two cable mounting bolts on the side of the transmission. This is a well-known problem with 2003+ cars.

When you cycle the brake pedal, do you hear a click from the J-gate? This is the interlock that releases the lever from the P position. If this doesn't release, the lever will barely move, maybe an 1/8" at most, and hit a hard stop. On my '02, I hear the click when releasing the brake, but not when applying it.

Or does the lever move a short distance, maybe up to a 1/2", but feel springy? If so, that could be a jammed pawl in the transmission, especially if parked on an incline without using the hand brake. I'm not sure how susceptible the 2003+ car are to this, but it is a well-known problem on earlier models. Lots of details here:


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ncline-183486/

 

Hi Mosiual. A quick check that could save a lot of time is jacking up the back wheels. Hopefully you can do it safely. I went through this problem and it was PAWL that kr98664 mentioned. I had to get some wheel chocks to steady the front tires (I was parked on a slight incline), but once I was able to jack the rear wheels up just a tiny bit the transmission was freed up.

Hope you get moving again.

 

Well very old thread and he has a different car?

That's what kr98664 was talking about. Your car DOES have that problem and is well documented. But the 2003 has the updated 6 speed ZF and NOT the 5 speed Ford transmission you have.

This problem seems to have been fixed with the introduction of the ZF transmission.
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Did somebody spill soda on yours too? Had the same problem and thread. I'd take of the cover of the gear shift and press on the plastic selector pawl and see if it moves.

 

I couldn't begin to breakdown and classify all the different things that made the inside look so dirty. Nothing was sticky at least.