2001 SE Auto w/ 50k mls. Parked the car today--in P not N--went back out to start and got nothing when I turned the key (radio, lights, etc worked but didn't start--no sound when key turned). Let it sit for about an hour, went back out, turned the steering wheel a bit and it started. Anybody have any idea why this happened. It's my wife's car and I don't want her getting stranded somewhere.
thanks

 

Either the neutral safety switch is going or you didn't put the shifter completely in park. Next time it happens, pressing the brake pedal shift it out of park and back in to make sure it makes good contact.

 

yea alot of autos have that problem
i found that when this happens just shift it to neutral and it will start..

 

thanks for your thougthts on this. If it is a neutral safety switch issue, is that a DIY item.

 

Also, check the manual shift lock disengage in front of the shifter to make sure nothing is in it or its not stuck.

 

if that happens again heres what to do so you dont have to wait:

-turn the key to the last position, like you were starting it, btu dotn actually start it
-with foot on the brake just move the selector through the gears from P to 1 (doesn't have to be slow or anything, just quickly) and then back from 1 to P
-try to start it again

this same thing happened to me, and thats what i did and do every time it doesn't start and it works fine for me....but let me know if it works if it happens again?

dominic

 

Unfortunately that trick didn't work either. Bought a new battery and installed but that wasn't it. Now when I try to start it, I get a "click" and then nothing at all...but lights, etc still work. Anyone else have any ideas?
thanks

 

Try pressing in the shift interlock (right in front of the shifter) and starting it.

 

Another thing to try is to wiggle the shifter side to side. Beyond that I give up, I drive a manual...

 

Probably your starter. Or your alternator one of those two but I would bet its your starter.