My '99 Legacy Outback LTD 2.5L won't start unless I shift into "N" and even then I may have to shift back and forth from "P" to "N" several times. A buddy thinks there is some sort of safety button or sensor which might be going bad. Any info appreciated!

My 2000 Forester AT requires the transmission be in P or N to start. Some modles I'm told force you to have the brake pedel pushed.Safety issue

Let me clarify the problem: Prior to the middle of August, 2004, I could be standing next to the car, reach in with my key, and start the vehicle. Then, I started having to shift from "P" to "N" and then "slam" (not really slam, but forcefully shift) back into "P" for the vehicle to start. Now it won't start in "P" at all, and I have to try several times (while wiggling the shifter around the "N" position) to get the vehicle to start at all. It's like the vehicle doesn't recognize when it's in an appropriate gear in which to start.

might be that the selecter switch on the shifter is going out or you have a short somewhere but my finger is on the switch

It sounds like the neutral safety switch is either dirty, misadjusted, or going bad. Not sure where to locate it but it may be near the shifter. Hopefully adjusting it will take care of the problem.

if it's like the older subies the switch is part of the shifter base under the selector display

Another "vote" for whatever / wherever the "Park" sensor is... it is failing to do it's job properly.

 

Sorry, I don't know more than that.

 

Commuter

The inhibitor/safety/prndl switch is located on the right hand side of the transmission underneath by the transmission oil pan

The connector for it is at the top of the transmission by the firewall

SEA#3