Why does my engine turn over when my car is in park or neutral?

Question

I drive a 1992 Ford Escort LX (I think). Whenever I park my car, I have to leave the shifter in drive or reverse (automatic transmission). It started one day for no reason as far as I can tell. Basically, the engine cranks in park or neutral until I turn the key. I'd like to get some infor before I take it into a shop. As of now, I cannot park on any slanted surface for fear of rollback.

I cannot put it into park or neutral because the engine turns over endlessly until I turn the key. AKA, it's like I'm turning the key and it isn't starting (ecept I'm not).

Also, any idea on what I'm looking at for cost. Doesn't really sound like it needs new parts, just new wires. I tryed to explain it to a mechanic that runs a small shp and he just stared at me blankly. Also, not sure it this helps but once it starts, I have to immediately shift it back into drive or reverse because the engine keeps trying to start thus producing the noise the car makes when you try to start a started car.

Sorry about my crappy explanation [:frown:]

Answer 1

I am not so sure it is an electrical problem.

When you turn the key, the ignition barrel pushes a rod to another ignition switch on the steering column, once that switch makes contact, it sends the signal to try and start the car. The safety neutral switch will only allow the car to be started in either park, or neutral (hence the reason it does it in those two gears).

It sounds to me as though the rod is stuck in the postion of closing the switch sending perpetual power trying to start the car.

A time consuming fix, inexpensive parts, but perhaps not so inexpensive as time goes. That will all depend on how hard it is to get to the rod and switch (attached to the steering column)

Answer 2

I agree with all those who say it's an electrical problem. Most likely a short somewhere. Ignition switch sounds likely.

However, for safety, carry a wrench with you and disconnect the battery when you are going to park your car.

Also use your parking brake when parked.

So basically, park and leave car in drive/reverse.
Turn off engine.
Secure the hand brake.
Pop the hood.
Disconnect negative cable on battery.
Now Switch car's gear shift into park.

Do the reverse when starting the car.
It will be safer to have the transmission engaged to keep the car from accidentally moving and hitting someone/thing.

Answer 3

Definitely an electrical issue. Unfortunately I don't have a wiring diagram in front of me but I'd hazard a quess:
I have heard of these cars (Escorts) having issues with the ignition switch (where your key goes). I'd try unplugging the ignition switch, placing the vehicle in park and see if it rolls over. If that doesn't solve it, another possibility is you are getting some type of electrical connection between the range selection switch (on the transmission) and the starter relay or starter solenoid. My first quess would be the starter relay. Since you said it cranks (but doesn't start) and stops cranking once you turn the key. The range selection switch (also called the neutral safety switch) allows the car to be started in park and neutral only, so I'd surmise that somehow these 2 parts are getting electrically connected when they shouldn't be.

Just a guess....not definitive.

Answer 4

You have got to have an ignition switch problem or starter signal wiring shorted to power. most likely it is the harness at the ignition switch connector, it over heated due to a poor connection and melted together, right at the connector.

If the ignition switch actuator rod were stuck you would not be able to shut the car off, so it would still be running.

It is the switch or the connector. switch is around $30 but the harness end will be a dealer item so from $15-$30 for that also. I would estimate 2 or more hours of labor depending on the extent of damage.

Answer 5

Why do you have to leave it in drive or reverse? Park would seem to be the safer choice.