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The "P" and "D4" both are on and unable to start the car

Tiny
WETODDIT
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 HONDA CRV
I inserted the key and it shows both the "P" and "D4" lights are on thus cannot start the car. Seems the automatic transmission gear position indicator is stuck on D4 for some reason. I checked going to each gear and it would light up the corresponding light. Could it be a short somewhere causing the automatic transmission gear position indicator thinking that it is also set at D4?
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Monday, March 5th, 2012 AT 9:20 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
It is the sensor that indicates what gear you are in. See if it will start in neutral.
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Monday, March 5th, 2012 AT 11:40 PM
Tiny
WETODDIT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Tried park and neutral, and still not go. It does not even want to crank up.
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Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 AT 4:12 AM
Tiny
ABEHODA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have this same problem. Was this ever fixed/solved?
Thanks!
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Sunday, April 29th, 2018 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
Is you car cranking over and not starting or not cranking over?
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
ABEHODA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Not cranking.
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Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
Easy enough, it sounds like the starter has gone out but to be sure here is a guide to show you how to test the trigger wire from the starter to confirm the failure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Look toward the bottom of the guide and if bad this guide will give you an idea of what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

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+1
Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
ALEC ALKIN BAILEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Did that Fix the Problem? I'm having the Exact Same Issue
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 AT 4:08 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
I would say the gear range sensor is not working if the starter is okay. Here is the location. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
SPENCER TUFTEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Ken, I have a 98 with similar issue. Disconnected the linkage in the column I can feel it click into P, R, N, and three more clicks. To get D4 and Neutral to light up I have to push it mid-way between locked for N&R to get neutral to light and D4&N to get D4 to light. Also, it’s got a long shift between gears, revs before it shifts. Any thoughts?
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Thursday, April 6th, 2023 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
It sounds like the shift cable needs to be replaced. Here are the instructions on how to do the job in the images below. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, April 8th, 2023 AT 1:46 PM

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