US Patent 7832302 Shift-by-wire shifter with default to park

A shift-by-wire shifter system includes a spring biased DTP lever engageable with a shifter lever assembly to move the shifter lever assembly to a park position. A DTP lock assembly secures the DTP lever so that the shifter lever assembly is selectively movable along the shift path during normal operation and releases the DTP lever so that the DTP lever moves the shifter lever assembly to the park position upon the loss of system power. A DTP actuator unlocks the shifter lever assembly and the DPT lock assembly upon the loss of system power so that the DTP lever automatically moves the shifter lever assembly to the park position upon the loss of system power. A power storage device is provided to release power to the DPT actuator upon the loss of system power.