Car only starts in neutral?

[Elkins45]

There’s a vehicle listed near me as a “mechanics special” because the owner says it will only start in neutral. Is it a reasonable guess that the most likely issue is a defective switch on the selector? If not what would be some other likely things to investigate. The vehicle is a 2012 Mazda 5.

 

[clinebarger]

Range Switch located on the transmission most likely.

 

[Nukeman7]

If it is an automatic transmission, it's likely a simple repair as discussed here:

Mazda only starts in Neutral

 

[supton]

Range switch, but just to be sure, it's an automatic, right?

 

[Elkins45]

Range switch, but just to be sure, it's an automatic, right?

Yes, an automatic.

 

[CharBaby]

Range Switch located on the transmission most likely.

I agree! I’ve Adjusted them on Mazdas. They have oblong holes that you can undo the hold down bolts and possibly turn it clockwise to see if that works if not try the other way. It’s most likely just out of adjustment.The rangefinder is only going to move about an eighth of an inch in either direction as that’s what the oblong holes are designed for.

 

[mk378]

If the switch is on the transmission, the problem could also be that the shift cable / linkage is worn or out of adjustment, so moving the shifter to Park doesn't actually move the transmission (and switch) all the way to Park.

As car problems go, this one is rather inexpensive to fix and also simple to work around (start in N), so I wonder why someone is selling their car over it.