Turn key no sound

Tiny
JEFFREY ALAN MARINELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 146,165 MILES
I try to start my car but nothing happens no sound no clicking no nothing!
I think it is the neutral lockout switch! I want to find out where it is located on my car so I can clean it.

When I shake the gear lever it will sometimes start but not always.
Do I have to replace the lock out switch or can I just clean it?

Jeffrey Marinell
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 AT 12:14 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
This is a transmission range switch, and is most likely a sealed assembly. Some cars use more troublesome transmission range sensors. I have heard of people cleaning those on Jeeps, but those too can be sealed assemblies. The better solution is to replace a defective unit.

Given your observation that moving the shifter can affect the symptom, do not overlook a loose shifter cable adjusting nut at the transmission end of the cable.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
Hello,

There is no lock out switch. It sounds more like you have a bad connection at the battery and when you move the gear shifter it gives a small vibration that helps the connection. When you say it makes no noise you mean no lights on no nothing?

Please let us know what happens.

Best, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 3rd, 2017 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
JEFFREY ALAN MARINELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ken, all the lights come on the warning bells the radio, and head lights. But when I turn the key there is no sound of cranking of the starter!
Jeffrey
PS, when I shake the gear shifter it will start, but I have to do it two or three times sometimes more sometimes less.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 AT 7:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
Yep, a classic starter motor going out or the neutral safety switch shorting. Here are two guides to help you check out the problem and get it fixed.

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 AT 11:02 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links