Hmmm. The line is usually easy to get to from behind the light. The bulb itself 
is usually accessible for replacement, and in reverse would power up then down 
(in case you wanted to share the housing).  There are probably various ways to 
get at those.

HOWEVER, it may be easier, and grandma (maybe grandpa at least) friendlier to 
provide a small rectangular magnet with a pair of clips and double sided tape 
to attach to either column or floor shifter, and a reed switch or hall sensor 
with double sided tape and the wires for the base around the shifter. Chances 
are a thin, black twisted pair will be aesthetically OK and the run to your 
electronics will be to somewhere in/on the dash or console so fairly short, and 
routable and hidden along the way.

You could provide an 'install mode' on the electronics where they would 
position the magnet near the bezel, and then position the magnet while in park, 
reverse, or such (Park makes more sense this way). The 'box' would light an led 
when it 'saw' the sensor and all was fine with the position. They then just 
press and stick it in place. Installed!

If using the Park position, it's just a variation in the signal but same state 
idea.



Cedric Chang wrote:
> in the car without opening any door. A rare condition most likely.
> 
> Good idea, DS.  What is the easy install method for detecting "park" ?
> cc
> 
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