Car Won't Start / Stuck in Park

[xstriker]

So, here's what happened: I was on my way home from getting some dinner and I heard a loud clunk coming from my car. For a second, I was afraid that I had hit something. I looked in the rear view mirror and there was nothing in the road, so I just kept driving normally.

When I got home, I pulled into my garage as normal and I noticed something weird with my gear selector: I could just slide it up toward park without having to push the backside of the knob in. When I got the car in park, I took my foot off the break and realized something - that my car wasn't REALLY in park. My car started to edge farther into my garage.

At this point, I was freaking out. So, I put the e-brake on and looked around my car to make sure nothing had popped out of the underside of my car - mainly because I didn't know WHAT to do. Once I did that, I got back in the car and turned off the ignition.



Now, I've got another problem: the car won't start at all. When I open the door, the door "dings" about four times and then stops. When I try to turn the ignition, everything just "goes off" and the only light that pops up on my instrument panel is the check engine light. However, when I just turn the car on, everything works - including the radio and vents. There are no flashing security lights either to make me think that the security system has locked me out.


Any help would be appreciated! It seems I have one serious problem that has now led to another problem!

[spacedriver]

Sounds like its not shifting into park so your still in drive that's why car won't start I would get it towed to dealer .

[xstriker]

Originally Posted by spacedriver

Sounds like its not shifting into park so your still in drive that's why car won't start I would get it towed to dealer .

Well, when I take off the e-brake, I can push the car in both directions. It's like the car is stuck in neutral.

[willhe64]

Or drive. You can still push an auto in drive. I'm guessing it is just the shifter linkage. Could be a tranny issue though.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Originally Posted by xstriker

So, here's what happened: I was on my way home from getting some dinner and I heard a loud clunk coming from my car. For a second, I was afraid that I had hit something. I looked in the rear view mirror and there was nothing in the road, so I just kept driving normally.

When I got home, I pulled into my garage as normal and I noticed something weird with my gear selector: I could just slide it up toward park without having to push the backside of the knob in. When I got the car in park, I took my foot off the break and realized something - that my car wasn't REALLY in park. My car started to edge farther into my garage.

At this point, I was freaking out. So, I put the e-brake on and looked around my car to make sure nothing had popped out of the underside of my car - mainly because I didn't know WHAT to do. Once I did that, I got back in the car and turned off the ignition.



Now, I've got another problem: the car won't start at all. When I open the door, the door "dings" about four times and then stops. When I try to turn the ignition, everything just "goes off" and the only light that pops up on my instrument panel is the check engine light. However, when I just turn the car on, everything works - including the radio and vents. There are no flashing security lights either to make me think that the security system has locked me out.


Any help would be appreciated! It seems I have one serious problem that has now led to another problem!

xstriker,

Very sorry to hear about the concerns with your vehicle not starting. Did you need assistance with getting your vehicle towed into a dealer? What options have you considered?

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

[DrkPhx]

Originally Posted by willhe64

Or drive. You can still push an auto in drive. I'm guessing it is just the shifter linkage. Could be a tranny issue though.

That what it sounds like. Shifter linkage broke and the car is stuck in Drive which is why it won't start. Have it towed to a dealer if it's under warranty. Should be an easy fix.

[xstriker]

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Svc

xstriker,

Very sorry to hear about the concerns with your vehicle not starting. Did you need assistance with getting your vehicle towed into a dealer? What options have you considered?

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

I actually contacted my local dealer and they set me up with GM Roadside Assistance to have my car towed from my house to their shop. I'm haven't heard anything back yet, but I didn't think I would since it only got there Friday morning.

I'm curious about this shifter linkage though. Is that covered under the powertrain warranty?

[xstriker]

Originally Posted by xstriker

I actually contacted my local dealer and they set me up with GM Roadside Assistance to have my car towed from my house to their shop. I'm haven't heard anything back yet, but I didn't think I would since it only got there Friday morning.

I'm curious about this shifter linkage though. Is that covered under the powertrain warranty?

Just heard from my dealer. Apparently it's fixed and my car is "ready to go."

It was the linkage and they said my total is $198. Guess that answers my question about it being covered by the warranty.

[Scott@Bjorn3D]

The linkage I believe is considered a wear and tear item since the cable will stretch. Kind of like a fan belt is hooked to the engine but is not covered under the drivetrain warranty.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Originally Posted by xstriker

I actually contacted my local dealer and they set me up with GM Roadside Assistance to have my car towed from my house to their shop. I'm haven't heard anything back yet, but I didn't think I would since it only got there Friday morning.

I'm curious about this shifter linkage though. Is that covered under the powertrain warranty?

Hello xstriker,

I just got in and saw your reply. I'm glad that you spoke to the dealership. As mentioned, the shifter linkage is not covered by your powertrain warranty. What's the latest on the diagnosis?

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

[45thCamaro]

This just happened on my 04 cavalier. I thought I hit something, or my exhaust had fallen off, I had been trying to fix my exhaust earlier that day. I stopped the car, and tried to shift into park to get out and take a look. I noticed when I shifter, my car was still moving and the shifter felt as if it had no resistance on it. Free moving if you will.

Called AAA had my car towed to my house, looked up o YouTube and found a video of how to manually put your car in park from inside the engine bay. Started the car, put the e brake on, and shifted to drive. Too kit to a local guy and he had to order the part from Chevy. 295 to have it fixed.

[xstriker]

Originally Posted by Chevrolet Customer Svc

Hello xstriker,

I just got in and saw your reply. I'm glad that you spoke to the dealership. As mentioned, the shifter linkage is not covered by your powertrain warranty. What's the latest on the diagnosis?

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

My dealer fixed it for me. I picked my car up yesterday.

It cost $180 for them to fix the linkage.

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by xstriker

My dealer fixed it for me. I picked my car up yesterday.

It cost $180 for them to fix the linkage.

If I may, why was it not covered under bumper to bumper? Or are wear and tear items exempt from bumper to bumper?

[102SS]

Originally Posted by The Stig

If I may, why was it not covered under bumper to bumper? Or are wear and tear items exempt from bumper to bumper?

Thats what I was thinking,it should be covered under Bumper to Bumper.

Maybe the dealers double dipping.