YACT: HELP my car won't start (FOR REAL)

[cchen]

Ok, I have a '90 automatic. Turn the key in the ignition, won't start. Ok, no biggie. I can usually start it if I shift to neutral.

BUT.... for some reason my shifter is stuck.... won't let me shift to neutral....

Has anyone had this problem, or knows of a fix?? If I could move the shifter I'm pretty sure the car would start ...

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

1) Put the clutch down before you shift (duh)
2) if that doesn't work, remove the parking brake and move the car a few feet. Then try shifting again.
3) Call a REAL mechanic instead of rushing to AT.

 

[HiTek21]

don't you have to press the brake pedal to shift gears in an automatic?

 

[Zim Hosein]

Ok, I have a '90 automatic.

1) Put the clutch down before you shift (duh)

 

[Ornery]

Take the load off the gearshift by turning the wheel right or left. You should be able to shift it then. You ought to fix or adjust the switch that's giving you problems.

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: HiTek21
don't you have to press the brake pedal to shift gears in an automatic?

Yes, but it still wont shift.... Its not like I haven't done this before... this is the first time that the shifter has gotten stuck...

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Take the load off the gearshift by turning the wheel right or left. You should be able to shift it then. You ought to fix or adjust the switch that's giving you problems.

Actually I tried that too and it still won't shift

 

[Cyberian]

Isn't there usually an 'emergency' shift release latch somewhere on the console real close to the shifter?

What kind of car is it?

 

[Walleye]

oh, i was just gonna say slam it into park... have to do that occasionally with my truck.

damn fords and their shifters.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: cchen
Ok, I have a '90 automatic.

Oh, yeah, one of those! Of course! I see it in my head, down to the last detail! </sarcasm>

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: Cyberian
Isn't there usually an 'emergency' shift release latch somewhere on the console real close to the shifter?

What kind of car is it?

yea, i dunno why but that didn't do the trick

btw i have miata

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein

Ok, I have a '90 automatic.

1) Put the clutch down before you shift (duh)

 

[CraigRT]

you won't be able to move the gear selector without the car running most likely. unless it's an older car.. which it probably isn't since it's a miata. they aren't that old.. and that won't make much of a difference... Park or Neutral will do the same thing when starting the car....

 

[Ornery]

Are you sure you're getting the ignition switch all the way to the Run position? Wiggle that around while trying to move the selector. It's starting to sound like that whole switch/mechanism is loose or something.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: Cyberian
What kind of car is it?

Can't you read? He already told us: A '90 automatic.

</sarcasm>

 

[cchen]

yea, i've tried all the logical possibilities and it still won't work....

 

[Cyberian]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle

Originally posted by: Cyberian
What kind of car is it?

Can't you read? He already told us: A '90 automatic.

</sarcasm>

Oh yeah - I think they only made them for one year.

 

[cchen]

I really need help here.... I gotta go to work in the morning..... any other suggestions?

 

[cchen]

bump
still need help

 

[chin311]

Originally posted by: Thegonagle

Originally posted by: Cyberian
What kind of car is it?

Can't you read? He already told us: A '90 automatic.

</sarcasm>

 

[cchen]

Ok, I figured out what the problem is.

I think.... usually when you press the brake, the shifter should unlock and allow you to shift (when the key is in on )

But my brake wasn't letting that metal bracket move. I took apart the shifter and moved the bracket manually. Now I can shift.

But also, I can only start the car in neutral now. I can also move the shifter even without the keys in the ignition because the metal bracket isn't moving back.

I'm taking it to my mechanic later this afternoon....

but anyone know of this problem and is it a quick and inexpensive fix or somthing that will be costly?

 

[Ornery]

I have a feeling, once that "metal bracket" is mounted correctly, you'll be able to start it in park from now on too. That's probably been the problem from the beginning.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

It sounds like the switch that keeps the engine from starting in a gear other than park and neutral wasn't being hit properly, or there was a contact problem. That plate is most likely cable operated, so make sure the cable moves, and you may have to adjust it.

 

[eakers]

edit too late.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Unless you take it to the dealer to get it fixed, make sure to get it by two or three different mechanics because sometimes they try cheating people on something very simple...