The car has only done this maybe three times, in two years. Turn the key, when in Park, and nothing happens. Put the shift lever in neutral, and it starts right up. 03 exv6 auto.

 

Possible intermittent problem with transmission range switch/neutral safety switch, where PCM doesn't think it is in Park. May or may not have stored pending trouble codes.

https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...is-tree-52805/

 

Is the neutral safety switch part of the range switch? I don't see anything about a neutral switch in the service manual. I'll try to test the switch next time it happens. I hate to just replace the switch not knowing for sure. The check engine light is not on, so I assumed there were no codes. Thanks 1.

 

Yes, the neutral safety switch is part of the range switch.

Even without the Check Engine Light on, there sometimes are pending codes stored.

 

Does the fact that it will start in neutral confirm that the range switch is the problem? Is it a common problem on these cars? I hate to just assume, but no telling how long it will be before it does it again.

 

No and no. Not common; but, known to occur even on other Honda models.