What would happen if you start a car other then in neutral or park?

Question

I took off the neutral safety switch from my car, and I just wondering what would happen.

Answer 1

it would jerk forward (if on 1st gear) or backward (reverse). It is a dangerous thing to do, especially when another car is parked adjacent to your car or worse, someone is standing by.

Always make sure your gear is on park/neutral before truning on the key

Answer 2

It won't damage the auto trans if that is what your concern is but it is a "safety" issue. Manual transmissions get your attention as soon as the starter engages so you have time to correct your error, an automatic will not give any response until the rpm's rise after starting so if they are in gear you will instantly be moving under power. Very dangerous even if you have very fast reflexes.

I would recommend fixing the switch as soon as possible.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Your car will not start.  If you are in a lower gear like 1st or 2nd, the car will jolt forward hard.  Most likely it will startle you and you will just let go and nothing happens.  If there happens to be something or someone just in front of the vehicle, you may hit them.

If the car is in reverse, you will jolt backwards.  Again, the started is not strong enough to start the car if its in gear, but strong enough to move it.  

If you are in any of the other gear, its probably not good for the started as its not designed for such resistance.

It can be done, but just be careful.  People with sticks do it all the time.

Answer 4

either nothing will happen or something terribly bad will happen

Answer 5

There is a good chance that the vehicle won't start at all.  Most newer vehicles will not allow the key to turn. Older models might try to start, but you might burn out the starter motor or overwork the battery.  Reason being, the vehicle would be in gear, therfore the starter will be asked to do the work of the engine along with the task of starting. More work on the starter means more amprage being drawn from the battery.  More load on the battery means less life.  Bad deal no matter how you 'cut it'.  Just put the switch back in for the safety of yourself, others, and your pocketbook.

Answer 6

If you took off the neutral safety switch from your car;

Your starter motor would not only be trying to turn the engine over, but it would be trying to move the vehicle forward (if in gear)or backwards (if in reverse).

This could cause damage to the starter and/or the fly wheel, either way if vehicle was not in park or reverse the starter motor would probably not get the motor to have sufficient momentum to start the vehicle!

IF YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE NEUTRAL /  PARK SAFETY SWITCH to repair it or while you look for replacement; Be doubly careful that it is in park or neutral when starting!

Answer 7

if its an automatic car it won't start in anything other than neutral or park, they key won't turn all the way.

Answer 8

Your Car lurches forward. As the RPM rises suddenly when you start a car, it Pushes it. If ur in a manual car, if you start ur car in gear 1 and dont press the pedal immediately, ur engine turns off.