Bought this brand new in 2000 and now starting to have a problem starting. I'd say it happens once a month. Usually when the vehicle is warm and has been recently shut off.

What happens is that when I go to start it will think its in drive, yet the shift lever is in park. What would most likely cause this? Bad ECU, Safety switch, or possibly a main relay?

Trying to figure out where to start, Thanks.

 

Any ideas? A family friend is using the vehicle and I want to make sure they don't have to worry about the issue.

I am unfamiliar with automatics. I will see the car tomorrow and start by resetting the ecu. Then check for any debris blocking the shift lever.

 

How did you determine it thinks it's in drive? Have you tried starting it in neutral when this happens?

 

The D was lit up but the lever was still in park. The overdrive light was on as well. I didn't try to start it in neutral, I will next time.

Technically it could still be in park but for whatever reason the D and O/D light are on when it occurs.