What causes a vehicle to lock in park, won't turn on, and got to shake the stirring wheel to turn on?
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ANSWERS: 5
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What causes a vehicle to lock in park, won't turn on, and got to shake the stirring wheel to turn on ?
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DancesWithWolves * Original question from above * -
Angster Gangster If its an older vehicle with a key lock it could possibly be a worn key or lock tumblers that doesn't fully retract the steering wheel lock pin But its more likely to be worn shift linkage that doesn't fully retract the neutral switch . Older cars have a mechanical neutral switch that prevents the vehicle from starting in gear & like any type of mechanical linkage parts can gradually get out of adjustment. Older cars tend to develop a personality just like older people & sometimes its better to just learn the old crates jiggle this & turn that backwards a little routine instead of paying a mechanic a fortune to chase down a minor problem.. -
DancesWithWolves Thanks for your comment :)
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11stevo73 if its the neutral safety switch thats stopping and shaking the steering wheel starts it, What condition is the car in? Unsafe shitbox that wont pass a crittle safety inspection no doubt.
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a bad connection somewhere
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DancesWithWolves
Yeah wow that is something else
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Sounds like the steering lock on the steering column.
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DancesWithWolves
Thanks for your comment :)
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Yaffle is correct. Cars (for awhile) have been designed to lock the steering wheel in place when in park and the key turned all the way off. (It's a theft deterrent.) The downside is that the steering wheel has to be in that locked position for the key to turn ON. Apparently something in the steering wheel lock / ignition lock mechanism has broken, such that the steering wheel locks out of position, so that the ignition is still locked unless you move the wheel to the right or left, putting it in the right position to unlock the ignition. *** This "feature" is usually completely physical/mechanical in nature. If you open up the steering wheel (on the side near the ignition) you might very well be able to see what part is broken and needs to be replaced.
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DancesWithWolves
Thanks for your comment :)
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If you have an automatic transmission (which you probably do) and you park on an incline sometimes the weight of the car will push against the transmission's shift linkage, making it difficult to shift out of "park". You'll need to push down hard on the break and use a bit more effort to shift it into another gear (after you start it, of course).
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DancesWithWolves
Thank you, for your comment :) -
mushroom
If you often park on a sloped or uneven area, you should keep your foot on the brakes and use the manual brake first before shifting to park. Also, on a steep hill, turn the wheel hard and let the car roll slowly until the tire contacts the curb, then use the manual brake. This helps keep the steering wheel from turning after you shut the car and puts less strain on the transmission. I've learned over time to always use the manual brake when parking, hill or no hill.
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Professor Yaffle 
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