How to Reset a Neutral Gear

Resetting a locked gear is the first step in turning an engine over.

When your starter key is not turning over your car's engine, one of the likely problems is that the gear is locked. To start the engine, also known as "turning it over," the gear must be reset into the neutral position. There is a simple trick to resetting a gear which will get your engine running again.

Instructions

1. Insert the starter key into the ignition, but do not turn the engine over yet. If you try to turn the engine over, the engine will not start as the gear is locked.

2. Grasp the shift knob with your right hand if driving in a left-handed vehicle; grasp it with your right hand if in a right-handed driving vehicle.

3. Pull the shift knob towards your inside leg. This resets the gear into neutral and gives the engine the "Okay" to turn over.

4. Turn the starter key while continuing to pull the shift knob towards your inside leg. The engine should turn over.

5. Release the shift knob back into the central position, and the engine will continue running. The gear is reset.

References

• Flash Off Road; Neutral Safety Switch Problems; Chuck Kopelson; 2006