Happy New Year!

Or, so I thought until this afternoon...

I had just filled up at a local gas station. I started the Jag back up and I was able to move the shift lever down to the drive position. However, the light would only go down to reverse and I was able to back the car up to the curb and away from the pump, but was unable to go forward. So, since I couldn't drive all the way home in reverse, I put the cat in park and shut it off. I then wasn't able to get the car started again. It doesn't turn over. The shift lever is stuck in park. Although, if I move it a bit, it engages the passenger side mirror dip and beeps like it is out of park.

Before having it towed to my home (thank you Amex), I tried the following:

1. Unhooked the battery and touched ends together
2. Tried a replacement battery from autozone
3. Tried resetting the inertia switch

Tomorrow, I was going to take a look at:
1. Fuses - see if any have been blown
2. Unplugged battery overnight - will reconnect tomorrow

Anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks for all of your help,

Eric

 

Down on the left side of the xmission is a shift lever bracket. I believe you will find one of the bolts to this bracket loose or missing thereby binding/jamming the shift lever.

I think it will be just that simple.

 

yah, sounds like its loose, and out of alignment...the neutral safety switch, mechanically has to be in P or N in order to safely start..thus its name.

 

Come on Eric. Let us know what happened.

 

Patience! haha

This happened on New Years Eve and, unfortunately, I had to fly out of town on business on New Years Day. So, I had it towed to the front of my house. I didn't get home until late last night. Luckily, I also purchased a warranty from Preferred Warranty who are now towing it to European Auto of Vineland, NJ, so that they can take a look at it. I will be sure to mention the Shift Cable.

I'll be back to update everyone with how things turn out. I'm hoping it is as simple as I've heard on here.

Eric

 

We were worried about you mate.

 

Car was towed to shop yesterday early afternoon. I should hear something tomorrow.

 

And the update...

I heard from the mechanic earlier this afternoon. It was indeed the shift lever cable where it attaches to the transmission. The bolt/screw fell out. The code was reading that the car was stuck in reverse and wouldn't start.

Now, there is an additional issue that has reared its head. When taking the car out for a test drive, the parking break light on the dash comes on. He has attempted to reset the codes, the light goes out, but after driving around for a bit, it comes back on. They are looking into this now.

I will update when I know more...

Eric

 

So, I picked up the car last night and she is safe and sound in my garage. Mechanic reset all the codes - said there were a few stored. My squelching / burping issue is now also gone. The transmission used to emit a squelching noise when the gas was pressed and the car dropped a gear.

Overall, I've had a very positive experience with European Auto of Vineland, NJ and will be taking my Jag back there if I have any additional issues or maintenance items.

Thanks to all the advice on this forum and to tarhealcracker who was the first to diagnose the problem.