noticed tonight that when I tap the brake when my '01 Pathfinder is in Park a very clear "click" sound comes from under the shifter in the console.

I took the cover off the console to see, and a small metal rod on the passenger side of the console strikes another piece (sorry, can't describe well) when I tap the brake...more taps = more clicks like morse code.

can anyone guess despite my poor description idea what is going on u nder the shifter in the console ? Too many wires and this one moving part for me to have a clue.

 

Sounds like the lockout for the shifter. I think you're hearing the solenoid clicking. Each time you step on the brake it retracts the pin/lock mechanism allowing the shifter to move. Without your foot on the brake pedal you can't move the shifter. It's a safety device so you don't act like an Audi, lol.

 

Thanks...yeah, thinking about it more after I posted I realized it was the shift lock except I am 99% sure it didn't click in the past until I pressed the shifter button to move it out of Park.

Now the clicking happens when I just put my foot on the brake...even if I don't touch the shifter.

I've owned the car a year and have been driving it regularly since new. Was dad's car.

Could swear this is new...but who knows. Could just be that I'm an idiot and am noticing for the first time.