AUTO won't start on a slope !!!

Newbie Joined: 02 Apr 2005 Posts: 15

I'm assuming theres something that stops an automatic from starting when you're not in PARK ? Any way to override this?

My Scenic Auto also won't start when its on a slope. I'm wondering if this is because of low auto fluid or something.

Any ideas ?

Level 10 User Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 621

Does it start if it is in Park?

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

an auto will start in park or nuetral. Nowhere else.

Also most these days willonly start if its in P or N and your foots on the brake. A lot of manual cars these days either require the clutch or brake to be pressed to start it. Hondas for example.

An inhibitor switch is what prevents it starting in gear.

low fluid or a dodgy bit of wiring will prevent it starting on a slope.

The obvious answer is of course don't park on a slope.

Level 6 User Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Posts: 155

Whats the point of having that kind of restriction on a manual car? Why do you need to start a manual with your foot on the brake or clutch? Confused

Level 10 User Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 621

Have you never started the car having forgotten you'd left it in gear???

Level 6 User Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Posts: 155

Ahhhh ok its a bit of wollyproofing Very Happy

I have done it I have to admit, but only about 3 times in the last 5 years, because I was taught to leave the car in neutral when I park it so I do that as second nature when parking up. Isn't this what everyone else does?

Wouldn't have thought it was worth spending the money putting something like that in though - I'm sure most people don't start their car in gear by accident very often.

Forum Moderator Joined: 18 Feb 2004 Posts: 7432

it hardly costs anything really. I dont know exactly how they do it but in the case of having the brake pressed to start for example, it might just be as simple as wiring the switch on the pedal that controls the brake lights up to the ECU as well.

Mr Quoter-vator Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 7405

someone i know went out to start their car on a coldmornin to let it warm up...it was in gear, he leaned in to start it not knowing it was in gear and the thing managed to start and drive off in to the garden wall!! new cars start so quickly. good job it was just in his garden and not off down the road!

Forum Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2004 Posts: 19978

brake light switches on newer cars don't just operate the brake lights! A lot of running poroblems can be caused by a dodgy brake switch on new motors.