Q: No start until the gearshift is moved around in park - 1992 Toyota Cressida

asked by on September 27, 2016

When I turn the key in the ignition to the on position, all electrical components turn on. Then, when I attempt to start the car by turning the key all the way, there is no sound of starter turning over. Then, if I put the transmission in park and start moving the gear shift, I would get the activity from starter and the engine would start running. How can I fix this?

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

If the shifter has to moved around in order to get the engine to start, then this indicates either a faulty or misadjusted gear selection switch on the transmission. In order to prevent the vehicle from starting up in drive, a gear selection switch is used to disable the starting circuit if the vehicle is not sensed in being in park or neutral. The switch will need to be checked, adjusted, and/or replaced. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who has the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair the no-start issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car wont crank or start, only hearing a click.
Hello. If your battery and starter are known to be good, the next things I would check would be your battery cables (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-battery-cable), the wiring to your starter, your starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-starter-relay), and your vehicle's ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-ignition-switch). Any problems...
Random crank but no start on a 2008 Kia Sorento
The on-board capabilities of your Kia are pretty high. When problems occur, the computer often memorizes them. A lot of times, it will turn the engine on and have the Check Engine Light on and give you a code that...
I failed my inspection and I got the codes p0031 and p1148.
The issue you are experiencing (P0031 and P1148) are known by Nissan, and has occurred with many other Versa owners. They have designed a fix for it and it is addressed under Technical Service Bulletin NTB08-074. They will install a...
Just clicks when the key is turned over
Most likely your alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement) has quit working. I would expect to see the red battery light on the dash illuminate if this is the case. This based on the starter just clicking when you attempt to start the car....
engine swap 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Yes, the 2001 "B" engine can be bolted up to the 2006 vehicle ("B" engine code also). Caution - you should use the 2001 engine harness and engine controllers for engine management and diagnostic capability. If the 2006 had the...
Transmission problems
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that you are experiencing some sort of potentially serious transmission issues. The symptoms you describe can be caused by many things. The first thing I would do is check to make sure...
Oil cap is milky, but the dipstick isn't and the coolant isn't bubbling. Please advise.
The discoloration likely represents the effects of entrained moisture in the oil on the cap surface. There can normally be a certain amount of condensation in an engine, for example as weather conditions change or if the engine sits for...
When I'm driving, sometimes the car over revs and jerks when I shift gears after the cars been on for a while
Hi There, What you are describing may be a result of a faulty speed sensor, potentially low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or a even a faulty transmission control solenoid. As your vehicle travels down the road, the computer analyzes data being...
can i use struts, axle, and sway bar from 2002 town and country and put it on a 2005 grand caravan
The front struts and sway bar on the two vehicles appear to have identical aftermarket part numbers. The axle from a 2004 Caravan appears to be a direct interchange for the 2002 Town and Country but the 2005 model year...

Related articles

2012 Toyota Highlander vs. 2012 Dodge Durango: Which One Should I Buy?
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are a fun class of vehicle: not only are they great for carpools and moving around friends and family, but you can also get them off-road and just get dirty and have fun with them. These...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Tropical Climate
If If you live in a tropical climate, most of your vehicle purchasing concerns will be essentially the same as if you lived anywhere else – you want a car that looks good, offers decent gas mileage, and suits the...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If Safety is #1
Maybe Maybe you’re a parent buying the first car for your teenager, or perhaps you’re a new parent and the safety of your little one is of the utmost importance. Or perhaps you're a safety-minded individual looking to make a...