Check the pawl gear at the base of the shifter. There should be a release pin thats activated by the pushbutton on the shifter. Either the release pin is not working or the pawl gear is bad. You mave have to use an inspection mirror and a flashlight to see it. If that's the issue you'll have to pull up the shifter console to work on it.

Check the fluid level first, car running at least 15 minutes. Let it idle, and pull out the dipstick and check the level. After checking that, make sure that your reverse lights are not burned out. I know it may sound stupid, but some car manufacturers will prevent a car from going into gear if one or more reverse lights are burned out.

1. is battery good and cables clean and tight? ive "fixed" many problems starting there

2 Key..does replacement have a CHIP in it? a cheap 2/3 dollar replacement will not work right

3 foot brake switch...get your guy to check it,,they do get maladjusted and broken

more specific please

I've had a recent problem with my transmission cooler line that I've now fixed (replaced hose). After several days of sitting my car won't leave park. I'm not sure if I have enough fluid in the car btw. I don't know how to tell. I put one bottle in though, and it hasn't leaked at all.

If the fluid is not the issue, what else can I check or do to fix the gear not shifting issue? Please if you can, let me know how to fix it with short vague steps.

What I've tried:

1. Moving wheel back and forth

2. Pressing the break firmly

3. Rocking the car by myself while trying to shift (I'm not on a steep hill at all as well)

4. Checked to make sure I had breaks and 4-ways, in case the circuit is bad)

Car Specs: 1997 Geo Prizm LSI, 1.8

143,555 miles.

*Ignition turning issue as well, but I think it's because I have a bad key cut.