Honda CR-V Owners Club Forums banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Unable to shift out of park - engine won't start 2003 -210,000 miles (automatic)

7.6K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Buffalo4  
#1 ·
When outdoor temps start rising and I am starting, driving, stopping (as in turning engine off), going in and out of stores (typical number of stops is 4-5). Two things start happening:
• It doesn’t want to start. Engine is trying, but struggling, and then often it won’t start until it has time to “rest” for a 30mins or longer.
• It gets stuck in park.
This happens regardless of whether I have AC running. When AC is running though it periodically makes a sound; a brief “hoot” (hard to describe-daughter calls it a “poot”) and when I apply brakes to stop, somewhat of a grinding sound. Then right before it stops it feels like a brief going into gear knock (?).
I’ve been told it’s not the brakes. I’ve been to several mechanics – spent lots of $ and problems are still happening. Even if selling was an option, I would still want to tell someone what was wrong.
 
#2 ·
1: Weak battery. Or defective leads from battery. Or lazy starter.
2: suspect brake switch needs replacing.
 
Save
#5 ·
Some say it could be: shift interlock system: the transmission range switch, the shift interlock relay, the shift interlock solenoid, and/or the ECM.

Starter was replaced, battery good.

The scenarios only happen when it's hot outside, it starts a domino effect leading to all scenarios mentioned. Plus the car "returning to normal" after it's been sitting; hours and/or overnight seems to be a clue?
 
#6 ·
Starter has been replaced? That’s important to know.
While a video would be great to help us, I’m going with a bad replacement starter and or a bad installation of the replacement starter.
 
Save
#7 · (Edited)
Just remember that if you can't get it out of Park, there is a way to unlock it manually. See page #209 in your Owner's manual.
http://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/OM/AH/ACR0303OM/enu/CR0303OM.PDF
That sound you hear sometimes when shutting it off could be what is caused dieseling. Usually caused by a buildup of carbon in the cylinders or even on a spark plug or two. Perhaps your spark plugs need changing also.
When it doesn't want to start, it may be flooded. Try holding the gas pedal to the floor when starting it after it won't start initially. If it now starts,(probably will run a little rough for awhile), that usually means the CRV is getting too much gas.
Are you getting any codes or malfunction indicators?
When the engine is running, turn on the AC and open the hood and look at the radiator fans. Are they both turning well? I believe on an 03 both fans should be running when the AC is turned on regardless of engine temp, outside temp or selected temp.
When you say the engine is struggling while cranking, do you mean it is turning over slowly?
This could also be caused by the timing being to far advanced due to a stretched timing chain.
Getting stuck in Park is usually the brake switch on the brake pedal failing. Pretty low cost and pretty easy to change yourself. Vids on youtube, etc
Just throwing out some ideas. Make sure your motor oil level is good and also your Automatic Transmission Fluid level and coolant level is good.
Any high temp readings on your temp gauge on the dash?
Buffalo4
PS: Does it also not start even if the starter is turning the engine over quickly?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.