I was in bumper to bumper traffic this afternoon for a 45 mins when the temp started to creep up over 200. I find a parking spot but needed to unload the car first before getting in the spot, about 5 mins later I go to put the car into reverse and feel nothing. Car seems to be stuck in park. We go eat and get back to the car. starts right up and goes into gear. I go to the auto parts store (I'm 54 miles from home) to check the fluid level and add fluid. It is not low.

I put the car into reverse and the car is stuck in park again! I let it cool and it is still stuck in park Shifter moves freely. I rock the car back and forth a couple times and cycle the shifter. It breaks loose. I start the car and put it into reverse, it does go into gear but will not shift into any other gear except park and once in park it is stuck there again.


Anyone have any ideas where to look before I tear into it? Valve body?

First, confirm that the exterior shift linkage is all connected and moving. If so, then there is a "rooster comb" on the valve body that connects the shift linkage to the manual valve and park rod. This "rooster comb" is pressed onto a the shaft that connects to the shift lever and they do break loose on occasion giving the exact problem you are having. You'll have to drop the pan to confirm, but it is a relatively inexpensive fix. You can either replace the comb/shaft or if you can get it back in the correct position, it could be tack welded back together.

Here's a picture.

Thanks I'll check it out!

Looks like my problem was even simpler than that. the shifter cable even being 2 inches (well after going back out it was closer than that ) away from the primary header tube, melted.

Good to hear. Always a good idea to check external adjustments/linkages before going inside.