black thing above park?

does anyone know what that black thing above the P for park is in a automatic? its like a little flap....

 

It's the 'override' switch for moving the shifter when the truck is off. (me thinks)

 

yup delmarva your correct... had to use it only once

 

Pretty sure you're right on that, a friend had a Lexus that had the same thing.

 

so anyone could break into my truck and put it in neutral? lol

 

No I think the key has to be in the ON position

 

I overrides the need to have your foot on the brake to shift out of Park

 

Yeah, it's the override...I've never had to use it and I don't really know of any reason why I would have to use it.

 

how do you pop it up??

use a knife or something?

 

hmm... I imagine... or use your key... I haven't used it.

 

You can insert any key or more likely a small screwdriver to release the transmission selector from park when you don't or aren't able to turn the key.
Should never need it in normal day-to-day life. Mostly for accident, tow truck (repo), and maintenance diagnostics.

Sorry, Didn't refresh browser to see that it was already answered. I'm a DA!

 

Pop open the cover with a small screwdriver and move the button underneath while moving the gear selector out of Park.
I went through my owners manual to be sure. I can assure you, it is NOT an interesting read.

 

If you ever have your battery suddenly and totally die, and they seem to do that now, you need that over ride to move the truck for whatever reason.

 

A friend of ours had a car ( Ford Tempo ), that the servo took a crap. It wouldn't shift out of Park, car running, foot on brake, etc. She had to use this over-ride to drive the car until it was replaced.
On some cars, I don't know about these trucks, you can hear a click at the gearshift when you touch the brake pedal.

 

My initials. Fitting.