This problem just started today

When the ignition is on and the car is in park, I press the brake pedal to shift to drive and i hear a clicking noise coming from the gearshift column. Also, when i press the button to shift, I hear a clicking noise that sounds like it is coming from the steering column. Every time you press the brake this happens. Any thoughts or fixes and should i take it to the dealer?

Is this even a problem? or is it the Electronic Shift Lock Disengaging?

This only happens in Park and only when the ignition is turned to on, or accessory

Thanks.

2005 Cobalt LS

 

The click you're hearing when you hit the brake is most likely the release for the auto-lockout that prevents you from shifting into drive without the brake pedal being down.

 

im hoping thats it. Sounds about right. I removed the center cup holder panel and the click is coming from inside there somewhere. You can hear it under the car as well. Im wondering if I just never paid any attention to it before. I've been a little paranoid since I bottomed out and had to get my oil pan replaced.

what about the steering column. Could that noise be related? they happen at the same time.

thank you for the input

 

Its called relays, yes, its natural, you dont have any problems with your car

 

It's quite possible, but I'm honestly not sure. I know my old car clicked when I tapped the brakes, but I don't recall any noises from the steering column.

 

Electronic Relays?

Do you have those noises as well? It does it when the engine is on as well I'm kind of a paranoid person. Its my first lease. I already messed the car up once so now im paying attention to every little sound I hear..

sorry if i wasted your time. but thank you

 

Yeah, its releasing the locks on the shifting mechanisms, and when you shift from "P" to "D", thats the sound of the Transmission Parking lock engaging and disengaging

 

same thing happens in mine...it's just the release so you can't take it out of park w/out hitting the brake. You probaly just never noticed it before and now you're gonna be paranoid about every little sound

 

thanks guys, I appreciate it. Im trying to learn about cars as much as I can. I'm sure I will be posting some other paranoid question as time goes on.

Just to be clear. Pressing the brake without touching the shift will produce a clicking noise when the engine is off but the ignition is on. And while you are pressing the brake and pressing the shift button there will be a click in the steering column unlocking the steering mechanism even if the steering wheel is not locked.

 

Pressing the brake = Unlocking the shift knob button

Pressing the shift know button = Releasing some mechanism in steering wheel

Shifting from P to D = Disengagement of Transmission Lock

 

yah I was wondering what that noise was tonight when I started my sedan up. I was like hmm never heard that but I always have the radio loud so I never heard it

 

Its nice to know that the sound is heard by someone else. and its also good to know that it is a safety mechanism

 

You seem to know a lot about this kind of stuff, so I am going to take your input and rest well...only to freak out in the morning. But I sincerely appreciate it.

 

Ive had my sedan for 14 months now, and I'm pretty knowledgeable about its specifics

 

As was said before... it's just the shift-lock. No worries.