[jwarn041]

In November 2019, I started receiving the dreaded "Shift to Park" warning, but since the dealer could not scan the code, they would not honor fixing it under the bumper to bumper warranty. The dealer had a huge turnover at this point and gave me the run around, they should have honored to repair it under the warranty per the bulletin and seeing the code. The bumper to bumper warranty has since been expired due to mileage. I had read about the bulletin to correct this issue and ordered the part (shifter assembly) from the dealer and had an "ASE Certified Tech" repair the car ($250 vs $700). The day I dropped the car off to have it repair, a "Service Keyless Start System" warning appeared. The tech scanned the car and the car is not throwing any codes. I'm a single mom and trying to avoid wasting a $120 fee to have the dealership try to diagnose the issue, since all the run around that I've had with this dealership.

So, what is happening now when I walk up to the car, the "Remote Start", "Unlock/Lock", and all functions of the key fob work with the car (I don't believe a programming issue), but I'm not able to use the outside door buttons to unlock the car with the fob near. Also, when I'm in the car, sometimes it will advise that "No Remote Detected" in the vehicle and won't start using the push button. I've had to place the key fob in the console/transmitter compartment to start the car. I've read that this could be from a "Body Control Module" or needs an update (relearn) to the "BCM", the "Antenna Module" in the trunk, door latch went bad or the batteries are bad in the key fob.

Now, I have replaced the batteries in the key fob (which the old one was still tested good) and had the "Antenna Module" connections checked to make sure a connection wasn't loose and the trunk is empty. The Tech also rechecked to make sure all connections in the console looked connected. So, I just am lost at what to do!

Would a "BCM" relearn need to be done after a "Shifter" change out and the console removed to change the "Shifter" out for the "Shift to Park" error? How do you test a "BCM" to see if it went bad? How do you know if a door latch went bad or which one?

This probably has nothing to do with this issue, but the drivers seat forward and backwards button have been sticking and has once would not move forward, unless restarted the car. I have also, recently tried the OnStar services with the WIFI and will make sure turned off when get back in the car.

Please help, has anyone had this issue?

Thank you,

Jaime

 

[campb292]

Hello and welcome.

Rotten story about the dealer's behavior surrounding the shift to park problem. The problem often doesn't even throw a code so that is just a made up story. It can throw a code, but a code is not required for the repair because it doesn't necessarily throw one. The bulletin even says this. I went through shift to park, I had the DIC message and no B code C code P code U code at all.

Moving on...
Unfortunately, you should take it back to the shop that did the shifter replacement work. It is possible it just happened at the same time, but that would be a pretty strange coincidence. In looking at some things, I see the Keyless Entry Control Module and wiring is all linked in with the shift position sensor, ignition power and ignition lock switch. My guess is a harness issue during the shifter replacement. If it isn't that, there had been an issue with receivers in the 2016-2017 cars but I don't think the bulletin affects 2018. I will check through the bulletins and post back if I see something - i didn't on first quick check.

 

[jwarn041]

Hmm, I wonder where that "Keyless Entry Control Module" is located and what kind of harness issue it would cause or if possibly the new shifter assembly came with a bad harness (it was all built in)?

Sure appreciate it so much! Trying to get ideas and have researched so much to the best of my ability.

Hello and welcome.

Rotten story about the dealer's behavior surrounding the shift to park problem. The problem doesn't even throw a code so that is just a made up story. It can throw a code, but a code is not required for the repair because it doesn't necessarily throw one. The bulletin even says this. I went through shift to park, I had the DIC message and no B code C code P code U code at all.

Moving on...
Unfortunately, you should take it back to the shop that did the shifter replacement work. It is possible it just happened at the same time, but that would be a pretty strange coincidence. In looking at some things, I see the Keyless Entry Control Module and wiring is all linked in with the shift position sensor, ignition power and ignition lock switch. My guess is a harness issue during the shifter replacement. If it isn't that, there had been an issue with receivers in the 2016-2017 cars but I don't think the bulletin affects 2018. I will check through the bulletins and post back if I see something - i didn't on first quick check.

 

[campb292]

The electrical connector/harness doesn't come with the new shifter, it will be disconnected from the old shifter and connected to the new one. The keyless entry module software is contained in the BCM and the module itself is under the instrument panel (remove lower trim on driver side toward center). I doubt it has anything to do with that, I have never read of issues with that module or the programming. It is likely the harness or the receiver considering the timing. As for the door lock receiver, I had always thought it was inside the driver's door. Apparently that is wrong and it is under the rear package tray (rear window trim) in the middle between the speakers (if you have them).

I really recommend using a tech for this repair, things need to be tested electrically and full codes read. If it happened as a result of the shifter repair that tech has some partial responsibility and hopefully dignity. If you just start pulling receivers and modules diy style it'll never end.

 

[jwarn041]

Thank you for that information. I still am at a loss.

The electrical connector/harness doesn't come with the new shifter, it will be disconnected from the old shifter and connected to the new one. The keyless entry module software is contained in the BCM and the module itself is under the instrument panel (remove lower trim on driver side toward center). I doubt it has anything to do with that, I have never read of issues with that module or the programming. It is likely the harness or the receiver considering the timing. As for the door lock receiver, I had always thought it was inside the driver's door. Apparently that is wrong and it is under the rear package tray (rear window trim) in the middle between the speakers (if you have them).

I really recommend using a tech for this repair, things need to be tested electrically and full codes read. If it happened as a result of the shifter repair that tech has some partial responsibility and hopefully dignity. If you just start pulling receivers and modules diy style it'll never end.

 

[jwarn041]

Update: Since this started happening, I have trouble starting my car and trying to get completely off. As of this evening when pulled into my driveway, the car became hesitate and acted like it was trying to die. I’m just at a complete loss. ?

 

[campb292]

Too many different issues. It could be early beginnings of battery failure, some corrosion on a connector, poor work by the independent tech it went to. It started out a shift to park issue then as soon as the independent tech "repaired" other problems arose. If the independent tech takes no responsibility you are left with the consequences. IMO using an independent tech does indeed save money 90% of the time. Unfortunately, there are still those times they get it wrong and the consequences are worse than the full price at the dealer. And again it could all be coincidence and just things you need to repair.

I've got no advice other than finally letting the dealer clean up the mess, trying another independent shop, or trading it in (the 2018 1.5T is my least favorite of the gen9 model year trims, endless problems it seems). Remote not detected errors weren't uncommon in the 2016-2017 but not common in 2018. The "service keyless start system" is uncommon and I find no bulletins or other forum reports of that message.

 

[jwarn041]

I had read about the bulletin to correct the "Shift to Park" issue and ordered the part (shifter assembly) from the dealer and a new harness. It seems that the harness is what causes the "Shift to Park" issue. The tech said that the new assembly had a wiring harness inside and showed it to me. Is the harness built into the replacement unit or is there another harness as well?

Thank you so much!!!

Too many different issues. It could be early beginnings of battery failure, some corrosion on a connector, poor work by the independent tech it went to. It started out a shift to park issue then as soon as the independent tech "repaired" other problems arose. If the independent tech takes no responsibility you are left with the consequences. IMO using an independent tech does indeed save money 90% of the time. Unfortunately, there are still those times they get it wrong and the consequences are worse than the full price at the dealer. And again it could all be coincidence and just things you need to repair.

I've got no advice other than finally letting the dealer clean up the mess, trying another independent shop, or trading it in (the 2018 1.5T is my least favorite of the gen9 model year trims, endless problems it seems). Remote not detected errors weren't uncommon in the 2016-2017 but not common in 2018. The "service keyless start system" is uncommon and I find no bulletins or other forum reports of that message.

 

[jwarn041]

Also, is there a way to test the BCM and Antenna Module at the dealer to see if they are going bad? Just trying to have my P's and Q's in order. I will try to go and have the battery tested this weekend. I very much trust the Tech that did the work, but before going back for the third time, I wanna make sure I have some things sorted out. He advised that message came on when he pulled it in and just thought already having that error. He just replaced the shifter assembly and not the extra harness.

Thank you.

 

[campb292]

Is the harness built into the replacement unit or is there another harness as well?

Mixed bag but the harness added to an existing problem shifter has proven useless. Several have had the harness installed and the problem returned for most if not all within hours to weeks. The shifter has progressed through several part numbers and a few revisions. Only time will tell if the latest part is finally fixed long term. The part they put in mine is listed for the 2020 (I have a 2016).

 

[jwarn041]

The new shifter asssembly appeared to have a wiring harness inside the unit. I had the whole unit replaced and had ordered a separate harness with a part number from another bulletin.

Hmm... I’m going relook at part when I get home.

Mixed bag but the harness added to an existing problem shifter has proven useless. Several have had the harness installed and the problem returned for most if not all within hours to weeks. The shifter has progressed through several part numbers and a few revisions. Only time will tell if the latest part is finally fixed long term. The part they put in mine is listed for the 2020 (I have a 2016).

 

[jwarn041]

Thanks for all your help! Took to the dealer and the BCM and Receiver Antenna were left unplugged. Go figure!

 

[RobertI]

Thanks for all your help! Took to the dealer and the BCM and Receiver Antenna were left unplugged. Go figure!

Where is the BCM and Receiver Antenna located. I am having the same problem. And how much did the dealer charge you to fix it

 

[Maa44646]

I'm having the same problem now with the service keyless start system.. would like to know where the antenna is also, and the bcm.i have a 2016 malibu.