Car wont start after fixing stuck gear shifter

It sounds like your car’s issue might be related to the gear shifter position or a safety feature preventing the engine from starting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and possibly fix the issue:

• Ensure the car is in Park (P) or Neutral (N) before attempting to start it.
• If it’s not fully in Park or Neutral, the car's safety system will prevent it from starting.

• Since you pressed the small button near the gear shifter to manually unlock it, the linkage may not have returned to its proper position.
• Wiggle the shifter slightly while trying to start the car (in Park or Neutral).

• Make sure you're pressing the brake pedal firmly when trying to start the car.
• If the brake light switch is faulty, the car may not detect that the brake is being applied, which can prevent it from starting.

• Even though the lights and radio are working, the battery may not have enough power to turn the engine over.
• Try jump-starting the car to rule out a weak or discharged battery.

• The neutral safety switch prevents the car from starting unless it's in Park or Neutral. If this switch is misaligned or damaged, it can cause starting issues.
• This would require professional inspection or adjustment.

• If your car has a dashboard indicator light or message (e.g., a flashing gear symbol), it could be signaling a transmission-related problem.
• Plugging in an OBD-II scanner can reveal error codes that might help diagnose the issue.

• Turn off the car completely, remove the key, and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Reinsert the key, ensure the shifter is in Park, and try starting it again.

• The manual override of the gear shifter might have caused a temporary misalignment in the transmission interlock system. In some cases, moving the shifter through all gears and back to Park can reset this system.

If the car still won’t start after these steps, it’s best to consult a mechanic. Possible issues could include:

• Faulty ignition system (e.g., starter or solenoid).
• Problems with the transmission or shift linkage.
• Malfunctioning sensors (e.g., brake light or neutral safety switch).

Let me know how these steps work for you or if you need further assistance!