Clutch messed up on my car keeping my truck from parking.

ANSWER : The vehicle transmission did not get back to the park position due to the shift cable came off of the transmission shift linkage. You will need to have a mechanic like one from YourMechanic come to you and check the shift cable connection at the transmission to see if the shift cable bushing broke and let the cable end disengage from the shift linkage. The shift cable may need replaced if the cable end bushing is not available. I recommend a mechanic check the shift cable and replace cable or repair cable end as parts allow.

ANSWER : There are reports that the replacement alternators will not communicate with the engine computer and will not charge correctly. I recommend using only the manufacturer approved replacement part. It can be new or remanufactured but approved for use in the vehicle. Some lower cost alternators on the aftermarket will have charging problems since they will not communicate with the ECM on the vehicle and will stop charging.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The issue you are describing is known as a delayed engagement. While causes can vary, it is typically a sign that you need a transmission fluid change. It can also indicate that shift solenoids are failing. Only further inspection will tell. Start with a fluid and filter change, and use that opportunity to inspect the fluid, its pan, and the bottom of the transmission. If the issue is not resolved, contact a transmission specialist to do a full inspection. With that being said, every time you start you car, you need to let the transmission fluid pressurize. You should give the vehicle 30 seconds before shifting it into drive or reverse after first starting. This will decrease stress to the transmission and its related components. For more help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you

ANSWER : The anti theft system may be causing the no start. Look at the theft light when you are cranking the vehicle. If the light is on then the system is active and preventing the vehicle from starting. Try to close all the doors and hood, then lock all the doors with the remote. Unlock the doors again and try to start the vehicle. If it starts then you are okay. If it still says anti theft is active then you will have to have the system checked to see if the anti theft module is in need of repair or replacement. If the anti theft light is not on then you will need to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic to see if you are getting spark and fuel and diagnose those areas. You could remove and clean off the crank shaft sensor in the bell housing since it could be covered in clutch debris causing the no start due to no RPM signal. If you need assistance, a certified mobile mechanic can visit your home or office to inspect your vehicle’s no start issues.

ANSWER : Hi there, thank you for writing in and providing a detailed description. I’d be happy to give my insight on what to do next.

I would make the same conclusion about the neutral safety switch. I think Pep Boys made the right call. I admit, I don’t like to call a part bad without being able to duplicate the problem, but anytime a customer states their car starts in neutral but not park, we replace the neutral safety switch. I can’t recall a time that this move was wrong.

The intermittent nature of your problem does’t change this diagnosis either. The same electrical connection can work one moment and not the next. Electricity works at the atomic level that we as humans can’t directly observe, which is why we have tools to do electrical testing. Your tow truck driver got it correct.

Hope this helps and best of luck! If you’d like help replacing your neutral safety switch, consider having one of our expert automotive technicians come to your home or office to do it for you.

ANSWER : This is a common symptom of the idle air control valve failing. This unit monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to entering the motor. When this fails, this will cause a rough idle at low RPM’s. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose the rough idle firsthand for an accurate repair.

ANSWER : It sounds like you have 2 problems here, the starter and an engine stalling problem. The starter problem is probably the starter solenoid, a power switch (integrated into the starter assembly) that takes a small current from the ignition switch and engages a large current at the starter. The contacts in the solenoid can burn over time, "sticking", which can cause the starter "run-on" like you described, and a "no crank" condition, because the same burned contacts don’t pass heavy current very well. The poor idling may be due to a dirty idle air control valve, dirty throttle body, or air leak in the intake system of the engine. I would recommend having YourMechanic dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location to do a (Starter Replacement)[https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement] and car starting trouble inspection.