A selector lever (5) with redundant detent pins (13, 16) and detent plates (11, 14) and a method for using the selector lever (5) to test for a failure of one or more detent pins (13, 16). The selector lever (5) includes at least two slides (10, 17) for independently moving the detent pins (13, 16) within the detent plates (11, 14). The independent slides (10, 17) allow one detent pin (13, 16) to remain engaged. With only one detent pin (13, 16) engaged, the operator may test the ability to move a shaft (6) of the lever (5) and conclude whether or not the detent pin (13, 16) has failed.