Cant start car in Park

[Timbuick]

Had a wreck in my car earlier today, car ended up driving through a hedgerow!
Anyway, back on the road and I can only start the car in Reverse with my foot on the brake. In brief, what do I need to adjust, I presume something underneath got moved around.
Car drives good, but starting is a problem. Key locks out and refuses to turn.

 

[GSTOY]

sounds like the shifter rod, not the cable has been bent as things were going underneath the car. If you look on the drivers side underneath the car, you will see the trans linkage that goes towards the firewall that moves a rod up and down. I'm sure you will see what happened. Hopefully it's just a simple readjustment.

 

[TurboBuRick]

The neutral safety switch is in the column. There is a linkage from the trans to the column (on floor shift cars), like GSTOY mentions. Check for slop in the system. There are some bushings that can wear out.

To start the car, grab the column close to the dash and twist it to the left. Now that I showed you that little trick the linkage may never get fixed.

GL

 

[Timbuick]

Thanks for the tips guys. Before my trip into the foliage the car was sometimes reluctant to start. Its almost as if there was something stopping the switch on the column turning right thru its axis.
I will check the trans lever as i want it to be correct.

 

[BILL HAINES]

Damage

How hard did you hit?? The linkage mounts to the frame,you may have frame damage. Did you hit the column,maby collapsed. The linkage is an easy adjustment..i would check and see why the adjustment is off...

 

[Timbuick]

Too early to make a full assessment, but it was a soft landing in bushes/grass etc..but as you say it needs checking.I drove the car home without problem once it had been towed back onto the highway.

 

[Timbuick]

Rick, your tip worked a treat. Nudged the column a bit to the left and she fired right up!
cheers