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Starts on R?

PostPosted: 02 Jun 2009 9:11
by Linka
Hi!

I just got a new problem, my Challenger starts on R and sometimes on N. It used to start only on N which is fine with me, but now it starts on R and as I said, sometimes on N. What can cause this problem?

PostPosted: 02 Jun 2009 9:52
by dave-r
Shifter linkage not adjusted correctly.

PostPosted: 02 Jun 2009 18:03
by Linka
Now when I got out and was going to drive it to a friend it wouldn´t start at all. I checked the cables and the "connector" to the transmission (it´s like three cables) and they were very bad so I cut them and made new ones, but it won´t start now either. Could be as you say Dave, I must adjust the shifter linkage? But what is strange, I drove the car yesterday and today it´s dead.

PostPosted: 02 Jun 2009 20:12
by dave-r
If it can start with the shifter in the "R" position the trans lever must not be engaging "P" fully. Get under the car, loosen the adjuster on the linkage, put it in PARK on the shifter and make sure the lever on the trans is fully in the park position too. Then tighten the adjuster.

PostPosted: 02 Jun 2009 20:13
by dave-r

PostPosted: 03 Jun 2009 2:08
by burdar
I agree with what Dave said...but...if it isn't going fully into "PARK", PLEASE remember to block the wheels before you crawl under it. You don't want to get run over if the car decides it wants to move.

You would be surprised on how many people I have seen jack up a car and NOT use stands. VERY dangerous. Stay safe!!!

PostPosted: 03 Jun 2009 10:26
by Linka
Thanx for the answers, now it´s completly dead, I´ve tried to "ground" the cable which go down to the trans but it won´t start. So I think maybe the start relay is broken? If I connect the cables from the startet it starts though.

PostPosted: 03 Jun 2009 10:54
by dave-r
Before you do anything else you must first disconnect the linkage from the shifter and make sure the lever on the transmission is in the correct position so that the safety switch connects the wires.

Then if it does not start you have a problem with the switch.

PostPosted: 03 Jun 2009 14:01
by Linka
I did as you said Dave but it didin´t start, now I grounded the cable in the middle of the three on the neutral switch and now it starts on all gears though, but now at least know what the problem is and I have got some more "meet on my bones" regarding this problem, I will also make sure the switcher is ok, I saw it was a bit slack down there. Thanx for the answers.

PostPosted: 03 Jun 2009 14:12
by dave-r
Yep. Sounds like the switch is faulty.

PostPosted: 03 Jun 2009 17:27
by Goldenblack440
burdar wrote:I agree with what Dave said...but...if it isn't going fully into "PARK", PLEASE remember to block the wheels before you crawl under it. You don't want to get run over if the car decides it wants to move.

You would be surprised on how many people I have seen jack up a car and NOT use stands. VERY dangerous. Stay safe!!!


Yes, good point! I even have backup jack-stands for my primary jack stands. Cos ther're all made over You -Know Where. Anything made their that is cheap, i don't totally trust getting under.