j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Hello,
Today I was backing out of a parking place; I shifted my automatic into Drive and I noticed my radio shut off for a second then came back on. Oh well. Then I noticed my "stop lamp" warning light is on. I thought well I'll pull over, shut off the engine and restart, maybe that will reset the warning lamp. I find I can't put the car into Park or Neutral. When I do I hear a screaching rattling sound so I put it back into Drive and start home. First I have to stop at the bank to make a deposit and I find that my power windows don't work (sunroof also). I'm trying to think what fuse would cause stop lamp, windows, sunroof.
About 5 minutes later everything is fine. Everything works. No more warning light. I can shift into Park and Neutral just fine.
WHAT HAPPENED? I'm glad it stopped but what should I be looking for if it does this again? I sure would appreciate any ideas. I'm thinking some ground issue, but where? There seem to be many circuits affected.
Thanks

Shark Attack

Ok! your car has a sence of humor..... as it was sitting beside the beemer at the light it said to the beamer "watch me cause a panic with this leded foot a-hole at my wheel."

neilh

Possibly Bad electrical switch on the ignition assembly and / or Bad interlock between switch and shift mechanism. Mine has done exactly the same on occasions, and moving the key slightly anti-clockwise from the starter position once it has started gets everthing working fine.
Neil

Kevin in Atlanta

Your ignition switch is knackered.

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

New ignition switch 6 months ago. But I'll look at it closely. Also the neutral, park safety starter interlock system, whatever that is. Thanks for the ideas.

Alan

I agree - we seem to be having a rash of ignition switch issues recently - if it happens again try wiggling the switch a little - do you have a big bunch of keys hanging on the switch...?

Funny (true) story:

A friends wife complained about her minivan cutting out unexpectedly - happened several times, started right back up every time. Dealer checked everthing & could find nothing wrong. Then it hapenned again... and again

So they decided it was a safety hazzard and bought a new car - different brand/model - first week the exact same thing happens.....

They scratch their head a while and conclude that all along it was the daytimer/organizer she has hanging from her keyring...

When she took it to the dealer - of course she took the keys off...

Alan

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Thanks Alan,
Keys are pretty minimal and switch (electrical part) is new. I'll try the wiggling idea if it happens again. Why do you suppose it would not shift into neutral or park?