Brandtb

Hi guys I have a 1996 accord and it's throwing a CEL for crankshaft sensor. I also notice that it only starts in neutral. In park it will turn over but die immediately. Any ideas? I think it's too coincidental to be two separate issues. Thanks for any help or advice it's appreciated.

holmesnmanny

The crankshaft sensor is essential in starting the vehicle. Whether it starts in park or neutral is irrelavant. Even if you find the reason it will have no bearing on the failure to start the vehicle.

You would first need to get to the sensor at the crank and clean off both sensors and the pulleys that each sensor reads off of. Then make sure the wiring is clean, both on the sensor assembly and the wiring loom as far back as you can check. Make sure there are no burns or tears in the wiring.

Then I would put it back together and after clearing the code I would start-er up.

Brandtb

I really appreciate your feedback and will clean the sensors. The car only starts in neutral,it turns over put quickly dies when starting from the park position. Is this related? Thanks again!

holmesnmanny

After starting in neutral, can you then drive the car normally with no issues ?

Brandtb

It bogs a bit when going slow then accelerating. It sputters and feels like it wants ti stall but it doesnt and then it drives normal once its passed thst sluttering. I have a new car so I haven't driven it far because I didn't want to get stuck so that's about all the info I have at this time. Thanks alot

holmesnmanny

Well, if the code is there you know you need to get that fixed. It's likely that fixing the crank sensor will clear up your car.

I can't say why it's fine in neutral but not in park but I would say it's likely a non issue after fixing the crank sensor issue.

MAD_MIKE

Most likely starting issue is due to dirty gear switch.
Rough running is from the crank sensor. Diagnose whether it is dirt fouled sensor or crank sprocket, loose connection, or failing sensor.