Why Does My Car Only Start in Neutral and Not on Park?

Recently, you had your car back from the shop after the transmission was replaced, only for it to start in neutral but not on park. This issue can be frustrating, but fear not—there are steps you can take to resolve it. In this article, we'll guide you through the possible solutions, including diagnosing the problem and contacting the transmission shop for assistance.

Diagnosing the Issue

1. Check Your Brake Lights: One immediate step is to ensure that your brake lights are functioning properly. If the brake lights are not working, it could indicate an issue with the neutral safety switch or a related problem.

2. Identify the Neutral Safety Switch: Many vehicles, like the Ford F150, have a hole near the gear shifter where a probe can be inserted to release the shifter. Consult your vehicle's manual to locate this switch or probe. If your vehicle has a similar feature, check this hole for any blockages.

3. Parking on a Hill: If you are parked on a hill, the weight of your vehicle might be causing the shifter to stay in Park. To release the shifter, you might need to be driven gently up the hill just a little to take pressure off the shifter. Always use your emergency brake before switching to Park to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Contact the Transmission Shop: Take your vehicle back to the transmission shop that did the repair work. Your issues may be due to a simple adjustment of the neutral safety switch, which should be the shop's responsibility. They should be able to address this without much trouble.

2. Adjust the Shifter: The shift lever might need adjustment. Some vehicles have a slot at the base of the shifter where a tool can be inserted to release the shifter. Refer to your manual to find this slot and the appropriate tool.

3. Adjustment of the Shifter Mechanism: If the neutral safety switch and the slot are functioning correctly, the issue might lie with the shift linkage. The transmission shop should be able to make the necessary adjustments. Without seeing the vehicle, it's hard to determine whether you need a lengthened or shortened linkage, but the shop's experience will be invaluable.

Responsibility and Guarantees

When you take your car back to the transmission shop that did the replacement, emphasize the issues you're experiencing. They might have noticed that the neutral safety switch was not properly engaged during the initial repair. If they overlooked this, they are responsible for making the adjustment. However, it's better to go back to ensure the adjustment is made correctly and to avoid any potential wear on other parts of the vehicle.

In conclusion, with the right steps and a bit of patience, you can resolve the issue with your car starting in neutral but not on park. Contact your transmission shop, get the necessary adjustments made, and keep your vehicle's safety and functionality in check.