Its an auto box, see previous posts. Starter will not engage, will not come out of park. However there is battery power. I thought I saw something under general topics about the switch in the box jamming & having to remove the cover inside the car & manually operating a switch but can't find it. I think that this is causing the problem. The box has been running in limp mode for 3 mths. Help would be appreciated as I am getting hungry (I jest) but I don't think the Wife will be not too happy if she has to walk home 8 miles. :(

Lift the gearlever surround up & release with the yellow lever
http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z257/belisensis/OMEGAFORUM/BrakeInterlock-1.jpg

But if it's not starting that isn't the fault... Could be that the selector switch has completely given up or just confused :-?

Tell her to try turning the ignition on, foot on brake and move lever from P to 1 and back again a few times, if needs be using the method pictured above, and to try starting it in N as well :y

In case the roadside assist boys don't know how to lift the cover do you have any instructions. I'm very grateful for you getting back to me so quickly. :y

The cover is easy... Just give it a gentle pry ;)

I would suggest changing Roadside Assist company if they don't know it though :o ::)

Where the leather gater is around shifter, pull up on the rear part where the plastic part is clipped in (towards handbrake) and it should just give enough room then.

Many thanks for your reply. The car will start in neutral but not in park :-?

KJO wrote on 31. Mar 2011 at 19:26:

Many thanks for your reply. The car will start in neutral but not in park :-?

I think the start inhibitor is part of the selector switch ::) ::)

Be the last time I suggest it... Before you condemn the gearbox, clean the selector switch ;)

KJO wrote on 31. Mar 2011 at 19:26:

Many thanks for your reply. The car will start in neutral but not in park :-?

.......another sympton of a dodgy selector switch.

Lazydocker wrote on 31. Mar 2011 at 20:40:

KJO wrote on 31. Mar 2011 at 19:26: Many thanks for your reply. The car will start in neutral but not in park :-? I think the start inhibitor is part of the selector switch ::) ::) Be the last time I suggest it... Before you condemn the gearbox, clean the selector switch ;)

Seems like wasted advice http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-indifferent-smileys-698.gif

RobG wrote on 31. Mar 2011 at 20:45:

Lazydocker wrote on 31. Mar 2011 at 20:40: KJO wrote on 31. Mar 2011 at 19:26: Many thanks for your reply. The car will start in neutral but not in park :-? I think the start inhibitor is part of the selector switch ::) ::) Be the last time I suggest it... Before you condemn the gearbox, clean the selector switch ;) Seems like wasted advice http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-indifferent-smileys-698.gif

To be fair, I missed the original post until yesterday/today... But it has been suggested a few times now ::)

Like others, I will not mention the selector switch again.

Your choice if you wish to take the advice offered.


Excessive use of the gearbox when its in limp, due to said knackered selector switch, you will mechanically shag the box.

The selector switch was taken off to be cleaned but found to be beyond use. Replacement selector switch fitted but gear box not working properly. Shuddering badly when starting off in drive. Probably knackered the box driving approx 7k miles in limp mode but no alternative at the time. Sourced a replacement box for 250 and the car is running beatifuly and doing 5 mpg better fuel consumption. :y