Neutral safety switch

To remove key (lock position), the transmission needs to be in PARK.

To start (engine crank), the transmission must be either in PARK or NEUTRAL.

Try apply parking break, put transmission in neutral and turn ignition key. If engine does not crank, turn and hold key in start position then move transmission selector to see if there is a transmission select position where it does crank.

Make sure that the transmission is in park or neutral. Possible to have a bad neutral safety switch.

Any light's lit on the insturment cluster ? SECURITY or a car an padlock symbol ?
Circuit Description
Moving the ignition switch to the START position sends a 12 volt signal to the powertrain control module (PCM) Ignition Crank Sense. The PCM verifies that the transmission is in the PARK or NEUTRAL position. The PCM then grounds the control circuit of the START relay. When the START relay is energized it allows battery positive voltage to the starter solenoid S terminal.
Have you tried to move the gear selector to neutral ? Park neutral safety switch .
Looking at a wiring diagram to see what all is involved in the starter electrical circuits , using a volt meter an testing the circuits is how to find starting problems .

No crank good starter how to troubleshoot any car Hyundai

do you know what a starter relay is ?

Could be the neutral safety switch if it won't crank in neutral or park, could also be the starter has failed.

You could be right in the fact the neutral safety switch may have failed, or the key switch is not going all the way into the start position.
Will it crank in neutral ?

Test/Service/Replace

The circuit on newer cars with automatic transmissions has a neutral safety, or neutral start switch installed between the ignition switch and the starter. The ignition switch cannot operate the starter motor unless the transmission is in park or neutral.
Late model vehicles with manual transmissions have a starter/clutch interlock switch that requires the clutch to be depressed to the floor.
Neutral Safety Switch
Normal operations of a neutral safety switch provides a quick check for the adjustment of the gear selector linkage.

• To do this, move the selector slowly until it clicks into the PARK position.
• Turn the ignition key to the START position.
• If the starter operates, the PARK position is correct.
• After checking the PARK position, move the lever slowly toward the NEUTRAL position until the lever drops at the end of the NEUTRAL stop in the selector gate.
• If the starter also operates at this point, the gearshift linkage is properly adjusted.
• This quick test also tests the adjustment of the neutral safety switch.
• If the engine does not start in either or both of these positions, the neutral safety switch or the gear selector linkage needs adjustment or repair.

CAUTION
Since you must work under the vehicle to adjust most shift linkages make sure you properly raise and support the vehicle before working under it. Also, wear safety glasses or goggles while working under the vehicle.
A voltmeter can be used to check the switch for voltage when the ignition key is turned to the START position with the shift lever in PARK or NEUTRAL. If there is no voltage, the switch should be adjusted or replaced.

The Neutral Safety switch monitors the position of your gear selector lever and either interrupts or allows the starting circuit in your car or truck to do its job. On newer vehicles it may also monitor the position of the brake pedal to make sure that the vehicle is in park or neutral AND that your foot is on the brake.

If your vehicle is equipped with a neutral safety switch, it should NOT start UNLESS the transmission is in Neutral or Park. On the other hand your vehicle SHOULD start when it is in Neutral or Park. If your car will start in Neutral but not in Park, you have a bad switch. Also, if your car or truck will only start by turning the key to the start position and wiggling the gear selector lever, your neutral safty switch is in need of replacement.

The nuetral safety switch is usually found near the gear shifter. If your car has the gear shift on the column, then the neutral safety switch is usully mounted on the steering column near the brake pedal. On floor mount or console mount vehicles you will find the nuetral safety switch mounted near or on the shifter mechanism.

Try hooking your seat belt, put it on, before you try to start the car.

there is a device called a neutral safety switch. it prevents the car from starting in any position accept park or neutral. the switch is most likely defective and will have to be replaced. try starting the car in neutral. this might aleviate the problem of intermittent starting.

It's sounds like the neutral safety switch is bad. When you turn the key to start the power goes from the ignition switch, to the neutral safety switch then, to the starter solenoid. When you say starting problem I'm assuming it won't even crank over. The car should also start in the "Neutral" position, there is an adjustment on that switch to, it may just be out of adjustment. If it cranks over but won't start then I don't see how the neutral safety could be the problem. The neutral safety switch is right on top of the transmission directly under the master cylinder for the brakes. You should be able to see where the shift cable connects to the transmission.