It sounds like your car’s issue might be related to the gear shifter position or a safety feature preventing the engine from starting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and possibly fix the issue:
=== 1. ***Check the Gear Position*** ===
* Ensure the car is in ***Park (P)*** or ***Neutral (N)*** before attempting to start it.
* If it’s not fully in Park or Neutral, the car's safety system will prevent it from starting.
=== 2. ***Recheck the Shifter Mechanism*** ===
* Since you pressed the small button near the gear shifter to manually unlock it, the linkage may not have returned to its proper position.
* Wiggle the shifter slightly while trying to start the car (in Park or Neutral).
=== 3. ***Inspect the Brake Pedal*** ===
* Make sure you're pressing the ***brake pedal firmly*** when trying to start the car.
* If the brake light switch is faulty, the car may not detect that the brake is being applied, which can prevent it from starting.
=== 4. ***Test the Battery*** ===
* Even though the lights and radio are working, the battery may not have enough power to turn the engine over.
* Try jump-starting the car to rule out a weak or discharged battery.
=== 5. ***Check for Faulty Neutral Safety Switch*** ===
* The ***neutral safety switch*** prevents the car from starting unless it's in Park or Neutral. If this switch is misaligned or damaged, it can cause starting issues.
* This would require professional inspection or adjustment.
=== 6. ***Look for Error Codes or Indicators*** ===
* If your car has a dashboard indicator light or message (e.g., a flashing gear symbol), it could be signaling a transmission-related problem.
* Plugging in an OBD-II scanner can reveal error codes that might help diagnose the issue.
=== 7. ***Try a Reset*** ===
* Turn off the car completely, remove the key, and let it sit for a few minutes.
* Reinsert the key, ensure the shifter is in Park, and try starting it again.
=== 8. ***Transmission Interlock Issue*** ===
* The manual override of the gear shifter might have caused a temporary misalignment in the ***transmission interlock system***. In some cases, moving the shifter through all gears and back to Park can reset this system.
=== When to Call a Professional ===
If the car still won’t start after these steps, it’s best to consult a mechanic. Possible issues could include:
* Faulty ignition system (e.g., starter or solenoid).
* Problems with the transmission or shift linkage.
* Malfunctioning sensors (e.g., brake light or neutral safety switch).
Let me know how these steps work for you or if you need further assistance!