engine won't start/won't recognize "park"

[skjolden]

Good morning,

Recently when I turned the key on my 1995 E320 wagon, power was delivered to all the electrics but the engine would not crank. I jiggled the gear selector a bit and voila, it started fine. But now I've tried the same and nothing. It seems to me the car is not recongizing that the gear selector is in "Park" and thus will not engage the starter. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[Diseasel300]

My recommendation: Give us the year and model of car you're asking questions about.

[skjolden]

Sorry, I thought my handle showed this, it's a 1995 E320 Wagon (automatic transmission, obviously)

[Usaguy]

It should also start in the Neutral position.

Neutral safety switch or the shifter bushings.

[skjolden]

Unfortunately the transmission is stuck in Park.

[Usaguy]

Originally Posted by skjolden

Unfortunately the transmission is stuck in Park.

There are 2 cables going to the shifter to release it from the park position:

one from the brake pedal and one from the ignition switch.

There is no electric solenoid.

You would have to take off the middle console wood to investigate the shifter.

[Diseasel300]

Turn the key, hold the brake, and you should be able to shift out of park. There's an interlock between the key switch, brake pedal, and shifter lever.

[skjolden]

Originally Posted by christuna

It should also start in the Neutral position.

Neutral safety switch or the shifter bushings.

Thank you, yes I was able to start the car find in the neutral position, so now the issue is as I originally thought, the car won't recognize "Park" in order to start the engine. Are you suggesting the issue is within the shifter itself or is there another place (relay, etc.) to look?

[Usaguy]

Originally Posted by skjolden

Thank you, yes I was able to start the car find in the neutral position, so now the issue is as I originally thought, the car won't recognize "Park" in order to start the engine. Are you suggesting the issue is within the shifter itself or is there another place (relay, etc.) to look?

Your most likely culprit is the Neutral safety switch (NSS) or the bushings on the shifter rod. Can also be dirty contacts on the NSS plug

The NSS is bolted onto the transmission on the drivers side

[skjolden]

Originally Posted by christuna

Your most likely culprit is the Neutral safety switch (NSS) or the bushings on the shifter rod. Can also be dirty contacts on the NSS plug

The NSS is bolted onto the transmission on the drivers side

Christuna,

Thank you, did some further sleuthing on the forum and I think you've nailed it. Unfortunately sounds like something I can't tackle with my own resources right now, so off the the shop it will likely go.