Non-jeep question..

B'ham Jeeper · #1 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 09:18 AM

Hey everybody! I have looked around on the web but have not found the answer I need and since y'all know everything I thought I would ask here.

I have a 2002 Buick Regal. I moved it up the driveway last night to get access to the front yard. When I was done and ready to move it back down the car will not start. I cannot get the car to come out of park and the key is now stuck in the ignition in the on position.

I have rocked the car back and forth to see if I could get it out of park to no avail. I am thinking some sort of linkage or sensor so it does not recognize that the car is in park. Or is the battery just dead? Only one light on the cluster panel comes on when I turn the key to start.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Susan

dave123 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 11:47 AM

You probably tried this, but turning the wheel back and forth is one possible way if the wheel lock is sticking.

More likely, there is a safety switch that won't let the key come out unless you are in park or neutral that might be stuck (thinking you are still in drive). You may have to take apart the column/console to get at it.

Bounty__Hunter · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 01:40 PM

May need to push the car far enough uphill to take the pressure off the driveline, in order to insure it's in Park completely. Could also be a jammed up steering wheel lock.

mud4feet · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B'ham Jeeper

...........Only one light on the cluster panel comes on when I turn the key to start.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Susan

I agree with everything else that has been suggested, but......that don't sound right, either?????? Sorry, I know little (learning more everyday) about Jeeps and absolutely nothing about Buicks. It was much easier diagnosing things before computers took over our cars.

B'ham Jeeper · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2008, 03:31 PM

Dave - Yes I tried the steering wheel thing. Have not taken the center console apart yet.

Bounty - I pushed it up all the way up the hill until it stopped. Still nothing.

Thanks for the ideas.

berettajeep · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 07:13 AM

Is it parked at an angle? with the wheels turned completly to the left or right?

You need to press the brakes to get into gear right?

I did a few searches and alot of '98 General Motors had this problem too.
Something about a switch letting the car know its in park or something....
I will see if I can find an exact answer.

B'ham Jeeper · #7 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 07:40 AM

Update...

I hate these dab-blasted new fangled vehicles!

Well I figured out what the problem is...I paid it off last week!!!

Ok so I tried to jump the car off yesterday. Once I hooked it up I was able to get the car out of park and the key out of the ignition. Would not start though. I do get a click when trying to start but not a starter kind of click, lower sounding. I am sure it will be an electrical or computer issue at this point. I was able to let it roll down the driveway so I got it out of way. I guess I will get it towed to the mechanic tomorrow.

I consider myself a pretty good shade tree mechanic (thanks to my dad) but when you lift a hood and can't even figure out where anything is or everything is hooked to a computer it takes all the fun out of working on them!

I would rather work on my '78 C-10 any day.

Thanks for the advice from everyone.

Susan

mud4feet · #8 (**permalink**) 05-26-2008, 02:34 PM

Before you spend all that money on a tow truck and mechanic, you may want to just jerk the battery and haul it down to AutoZone (or someplace similar) to have it checked. Could be (hopefully) something as simple as a bad battery. Wish I could help more.

redrooster · #9 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008, 02:20 PM

If it's the original battery, then odds are it's dead. Most GM's had a battery with the little green eye that tells you if it's good or black if the battery is dead.
Our original Avalanche battery went out like that. Started fine one time, was dead the next.

B'ham Jeeper · #10 (**permalink**) 06-30-2008, 11:15 PM

Hey guys just wanted to let you know you were right! (as usual, thank goodness) It was a dead battery. It was only 2 years old so I was able to get a new one pro-rated.

Thanks again for the help!

mud4feet · #11 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B'ham Jeeper

Hey guys just wanted to let you know you were right! (as usual, thank goodness) It was a dead battery. It was only 2 years old so I was able to get a new one pro-rated.

Thanks again for the help!