2000 Honda Civic put into park while moving

INGESCHATTA1

MEMBER
2000 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

I was driving and my boyfriend (former) was in the passengers seat. I was going about 40 mph. We were arguing and he wanted me to stop and let him out. I didn't, so he reached over and threw the shifter into park. Now, my car won't start. It turns over, but will not start. Any ideas? Thanks.

I quickly applied the brakes when he did this. The car continued to drive OK the rest of the day. While driving the next evening though, it began to run rough. I parked it and have not been able to start it since (3 days ago). I've had it towed to my home and hope to be able to fix, but don't know what to do.

7 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi ingeschatta1,

WOW, I am shocked that he was able to shift into park at 40 mph. There must have been hell of a rachetting noise and jerk.

There are so many reasons why an engine can crank but won't fire up and it might not be related to what had happened.

Was there any visible damage to the transmission? Oil leaks, etc.

Did this happened immediately after the incident?

Did you check under bonnet to see if anything had been damaged?

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, June 26th, 2008 AT 2:12 PM

INGESCHATTA1

MEMBER
4 POSTS

There are no apparent oil or transmission leaks and all looks fine under the hood. The car drove OK for the evening following the incident and for the next day. It was during the next night that I had the problem. I was low on gas and put some in. The car began to run poorly shortly after; missing etc. After parking and eating dinner, I got back in car and it would not start. The engine turns over, but it wont start. As said, it's been towed and I'm hoping to fix but not sure how to begin.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 AT 6:01 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi ingeschatta1,

Ok, so it should not be related to the incident.

You need to check and confirm if this is a fuel or sparking problem.

Was the check engine light showing when the vehicle started running funny?

Check the spark plugs first and then the sparks. It uses coil packs so you have to remove them to test.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008 AT 6:59 AM

INGESCHATTA1

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks so much for your advice. I changed the plugs but still will not start. I don't recall if the check engine light came on or not when it began to run rough. Thanks again for trying to help. How do I check for fuel problem?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 AT 6:29 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi ingeschatta1,

Changing the spark plugs would not be of help it there is no sparks when cranking. Did you test the sparking?

To check for fuel pressure, you need to unloosen the fuel hose connector at the fuel rail. If no pressure is present, turn ignition switch on and see if fuel is pushing out for a few seconds.

If none, you need to check the main relay and fuel pump.

With the mileage on your car, has the timing belt been replaced before? I hope it is not the timing belt. Is cranking speed very fast or normal as if it is a little heavy?