Trouble starting in Park

[Sock Monkey]

I started having trouble with the 2006 MZ3 not starting in park some time ago. It got worse and worse and now we're starting it in neutral all the time. It seems like it might be getting a bit bad there too. I suppose there is a lockout sensor on the shift gate somewhere. Is there access to that from the cabin or do I have to start crawling around under the car? I was thinking that perhaps it's just because crap starts falling down into the shift gate cover and some sliding contacts get dirty. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Monkey

[rajin929]

the times when you have trouble starting, is the "P" lit on the dash?
does the gear shifter feel more stiff, like you have to put in more effort to move it between gears?

On our 2007 Mazda 3, the issue was a lever and nut on the transmission that was rusted to shit.
It prevented the lever from getting into position to line up with the gear switch.
There was a service bulletin on it years ago, I bought the parts from the dealership and it solved the issue

below is an example, you can see the lever and bolt connecting the shifter cable to the switch on the tranny...

https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=211657&d=1436897918

[Sock Monkey]

Thanks for that Rajin. It's helpful. No, it's not at all stiff and the P on the gauge is NOT lit when I'm having trouble with it. I have seen a few videos online that show you how to extend the cable under the stick to get it working again but first I will follow your advice and make sure that linkage looks like it's working well.

Monkey

[rajin929]

The P on the gauge was not lit for us too; we often had to kinda play with the shifter and jam it into park for it to trip the light on the dash and only then the car will start

Good luck and hope you're able to resolve the issue! Keep us posted!

[TheMAN]

there was a recall for this... a special replacement part was released for it... it's not the same as the standard replacement part listed in the parts catalogue