Car just shut off.... now I can't move the gearshifter into P. I can't turn the key off and I can't put the shifter into R or P. It moves from D5 - D1 ok, but no R or P. I was under acceleration and after hitting a bump the car just shut off. The green security key light blinked and my security light on the radio is blinking too. I know the battery is ok and still feeding power. I smelled something funky after it died too. I free rolled over to the side of the road and inspected it for leaks... nothing.

Does this sound like a transmission failure? Or something electrical? The gear shifter not moving is throwing me way off. The tires didn't lock up either. Stock transmission and 35,600 miles. Any ideas?

Brian

 

did the steering wheel lock up at all?

 

Seen something like that on here b4, it mentions something about a bad brake switch causing this to happen. Have somebody step on the brake pedal and see if the brake lights come on, and if they (brake lights) don't come on then it might be the brake switch.

To get the key out, stick the spare key into the shift release slot and you should be able to take move the shifter to park.

 

Check this out:
https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/brittney-does-anna-97425/

 

Does it go into N? If so start it in N. Then see if you can get it to P.

 

 

he said it only went from d5 to d1...while the car is off, hold the brake stick a key or anything else in the shift release and try to move the shifter...good luck

 

I know my post was a bit ambiguous... sorry.

Actually, the shifter goes into N. The shifter won't go past Neutral (into R or P). Even in neutral the key isn't turning the car over. The key is basically stuck in acc. and the whole dash is dark. It's as if the key is in the off position.

I was driving along, hit a bump, and the car just shut off. The dash went dark and no lights, blinkers, radio, etc. Security lights blinking (as if the car ignition is turned off). The shifter is stuck in limbo basically... (N-D1). I tried starting the car in Neutral but I get nothing.... no juice. I can't get the shifter back into Park and I because I can't move it into Park, I can't get the key out of the ignition or into the off position. The car rolls freely too. I'm lost. I brought it to the dealership... I'll see what they say.

Brian

 

btw, steering wheel didn't lock.

 

Sounds like the ignition unit problem. Have the dealership look at it. It's not a common problem, but it happens.

 

u didnt try to stick anything in the shifter release (little hole next to the shifter)??

 

This happened to me a couple of years ago.

I had the same problem - couldn't get the shifter into Reverse or Park from Neutral. Turned out one of my fuses blew (I forget which one so you better check em all).

JustMe