So I had this problem starting yesterday (my car 98 accord V6 sedan 128xxx), I tried to start the car and nothing. I looked at the dash and noticed the shift light indicator was in Park and D4 even though my car was in park. I then had the key in the position before start and shifted to D4 then back to park, the light then went off in D4 and started fine. What is going here?

 

The master switch located in the shift console requires replacement (unless you feel comfortable enough taking it apart to clean it).

Honda uses an assembly grease which over time starts coagulating (turning hard) and eventually keeps the switch contacts from doing their thing.

Not only does this keep the car from starting (from the "Park" position) but it often adds insult to injury by not allowing the key to be removed as well.

 

The D4 light says you have a code in the computer, get codes pulled and we can help you more please.

Key on, trans out of P, does this constitute a drive cycle eliminating the D4 light???

 

The hint to this problem was the no start condition with the selector in "Park". The Lever/cable/transmission was all in the correct position, but the selector switch was fibbing.
A 'Flashing" D4 would indicate a condition with the TCM (Transmission Control Module), not a steady one.
I believe a drive cycle would have to see a signal from the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) .....

P