biniecki

This is more of a general tech question than a problem. The answer will tell me if I have a problem with my car or not. I have been having problems with my car turning off when hitting bumps. I recently discovered that my keys are so heavy that it is actually turning the key when hitting the bumps. My question is this, should I be able to start my car in neutral after my keys have been turned from Run to ACC? I currently am unable to do this. When the key gets turned I am unable to start the car again until it has been put in park.

I have done some troubleshooting to see when my car will start in neutral. Here is a list:

1) Ignition tuned to ACC, shifter to N, turn ignition to run and the car starts
2) Repeat #1 but then turn ignition back to ACC to kill engine, turn ignition to run and the car starts
3) Start engine, shift to D, Turn Ignition back to ACC to kill engine, turn ignition to run and the car will not start
4) Start engine, shift to D, Turn Ignition back to ACC to kill engine, shift to N, turn ignition to run and the car will not start
5) Start engine, shift to D, Turn Ignition back to ACC to kill engine, shift to P, turn ignition to run and the car will start

Is this normal behavior for the car? Numbers 3 & 4 are my main concerns. I would think I would be able to start my car in N after it being turned off. What are your thoughts on this matter? If its a problem, what may need to be fixed?

Malaclypse

iTrader: (1)

Your data is a little bit.. confusing?

If your findings are that the car will not start in reverse or any drive range, that is completely normal. It should start in neutral and park only.

outtamymind

what ^^ said. could be a possible neutral switch that isn't allowing you to start in neutral. i dunno much about the auto's shifter systems so maybe someone else can chime in.

biniecki

I have reworded my troubleshooting to help describe what I have done better. Maybe it will help

Malaclypse

iTrader: (1)

You should be able to start the car in Neutral at all times. Sometimes the engine needs to stop spinning for a second or two before the PCM realizes it and allows the starter to engage again.

denlou

Yeah, that's normal... Most automatics are this way...