Automatic Transmission Car Going to Park When Turned Off

If your automatic transmission car is going into park when you turn it off, there are a few possible causes.

1. Faulty Neutral Safety Switch

The neutral safety switch is a safety feature that prevents the car from starting in gear. It is located on the transmission and it works by sensing when the transmission is in park or neutral. If the neutral safety switch is faulty, it may send a false signal to the transmission control module (TCM), causing the car to go into park when you turn it off.

2. Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM)

The TCM is the computer that controls the transmission. It receives signals from the neutral safety switch and other sensors to determine when to shift gears. If the TCM is faulty, it may send incorrect signals to the transmission, causing it to go into park when you turn it off.

3. Faulty Transmission

In some cases, a faulty transmission can also cause the car to go into park when you turn it off. This is typically caused by a worn or damaged gear inside the transmission.

4. Low Transmission Fluid

Low transmission fluid can also cause the transmission to malfunction, which can lead to the car going into park when you turn it off. Check the transmission fluid level and add fluid if necessary.

5. Faulty Battery

A weak or faulty battery can also cause the car to go into park when you turn it off. This is because the battery provides power to the TCM and other electrical components in the car. If the battery is not providing enough power, the TCM may not be able to function properly, which can lead to the car going into park when you turn it off.

How to Fix It

If your automatic transmission car is going into park when you turn it off, you should take it to a qualified mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired. The mechanic will be able to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action.