Engine doesn't turn over

[thesober]

Alright, this just happened today. I try starting my car and the engine doesn't turn over at all. The lights light up and everything is a go except for the engine cranking over, there's nothing.

It's an automatic, I notice that the "P" -park isn't lit up on the dash, try cranking over a couple more times but nothing. Shut her down and go out and physically rock the car a bit, go back and now it starts first try?!?!? The "P" is lite up now.

I'm assuming it has something to do with Park not fully engaging?..or something along those lines. I have notice that my "P" on the dash sometimes doesnt lite up in the park position, but I did test it wasn't on and it started too. Strange.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Was it on a hill or an incline?

Maybe it didn't fully realize you were parked cuz it was turned off too quickly and without it being fully in park... just guesses..

I really doubt it will happen again, in fact I doubt that you will be able to get it to happen again if you wanted to (would make a good anti theft measure)

[3GFX]

I'd assume turning the key to fast before all the electronics and even the fuel pump kick in. Always give it a second before you turn er over.

[stevenlung]

shake the shifter until the P lights up or put it into N to start the car, it's the same thing happened to my shitbox

[Wild Weasel]

Yeah, from what you're saying, my first guess is that the shifter isn't quite where it should be.

[thesober]

I think i found out whats wrong with my car, its the neutral safety switch. (Is that covered under powertrain warranty?) Anyone know if its a DIY thing I can adjust or swap out or how much it would cost to replace at the dealership?

Its the same issue as this link below.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080107071218AA9OHNk

[Noisy Crow]

I looked at the thread you linked. I think you are right in your diagnosis. Probably dead easy to fix if you can get under the car*. Easy to check too, all you need is an ohmmeter.

You could probably get a replacement switch at the wrecker's. To have a mechanic do it would probably be about an half hour labour plus the part... I'd guess $100-$150 depending on the cost of the part.


*Do NOT crawl under your car when it is up on a regular car-jack, or dead-easy could turn into just plain dead! Use floor stands, ramps, or suitable substitute. Do not use cinderblocks... they can crack.

[thesober]

Dealer swapped out the inhibitor switch, works fine now....

[Fuman]

Dealer swapped out the inhibitor switch, works fine now....
nice =)
did the dealer do their own diagnostic?

[thesober]

Not too sure but they tried to clean it first before swapping it out...i got charged with 1hr labour.

[Fuman]

Not too sure but they tried to clean it first before swapping it out...i got charged with 1hr labour.
wtf... ur car isn't under warranty?

[thesober]

Not any more, i got my car Oct 2004.