How fragile is the electrical circuitry of the 2013 Jazz Automatic?

**jupe** · August 3rd, 2013 09:15 PM

Hello, people.

Need your input/s on this one.

I have to ask, because of a recent incident I had.

I own a 2013 Honda Jazz 1.5V AT.

Unknowingly, I turned-off my engine with the shift lever in N (neutral) and park break applied.

To my surprise, I cannot pull-out the key from the ignition.

I thought it was just stuck and starting the engine (then shutting it down) will correct whatever was stuck in the mechanism.

I heard the engine rev and abruptly stop. The car won't start either.

It was only then I noticed that the shift was in N (neutral)—not in P (park).

Only when I placed the shift lever to P (park) that I was able to free the key and to start the engine to life.

Thus, the above question.

Did I fry anything or did I risk frying anything when I tried starting the engine while in N (neutral)?

All ideas are welcome, as i am deeply concerned on what harm I caused to my just 3-weeks old car.

Thanks all for your help, in advance.

**[archie]** · August 3rd, 2013 09:21 PM

No, it's just a safety feature of automatic cars. Parang reminder na put it in park.

**jupe** · August 4th, 2013 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by [archie]

No, it's just a safety feature of automatic cars. Parang reminder na put it in park.

My concern is this: if it really is a "safety feature," then why did the ignition still tried to start the engine (only to fail)?

I was rather expecting that, if the idea is that the engine can only be started in P (park), then the entire system should have been non-responsive when I turned the ignition. Why allow a sudden surge of electricity at all, which can harm the electrical system?

Just an idea, coz I know of failsafe mechanisms too (although not so much around cars). And the logic in these things is: if it's not safe, then it should NOT be allowed at all.

Anyone had any trouble with their cars that is attributable to this?

Please bear with me.

Embarrassing but true, my first automatic car. Had driven these babies more than a few times, but never got to the nitty gritties of them.

**userfriendly** · August 4th, 2013 07:58 AM

dont worry about it

**yebo** · August 4th, 2013 08:19 AM

what you described is not an incident, it is normal.

you worry too much. if you continue with that habit you will die before you reach 60.

**jick.cejoco** · August 4th, 2013 08:24 AM

unless your car was made in china, i would be concerned. your car was made with your mistakes in mind. it was made almost idiot proof

**jupe** · August 4th, 2013 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by yebo

what you described is not an incident, it is normal.

you worry too much. if you continue with that habit you will die before you reach 60.

Ha ha ha ha. I had a good laugh with this.

**jupe** · August 4th, 2013 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by oj88

I'm pretty sure it should start in N. That's how it is on my Civic. I may be wrong, though, as it may not be the exact case on the Jazz. I'll test this theory on my brother's Jazz when I get a chance.

EDIT: Ok, just tried it out. I can confirm that our Jazz does indeed start in N.

This is reassuring. Thanks so much po talaga. Feel so relieved from the guilt caused by my carelessness.

**jupe** · August 4th, 2013 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by chris_d

Since your vehicle is probably still under warranty I would suggest to ask this to Honda when you get your regular service, from what I know it should start in Neutral, and the only time you might now be able to remove the key is if steering wheel is locked. Maybe the steering wheel got locked preventing you to remove the key and start the engine?

Thanks po. Will do ask Honda on my scheduled PMS.

I still opted to post here, 'coz I had hoped for feedback/s from actual users.

A technical opinion is one thing. Actual experience is another... and is better.

Sometimes machines behave in ways that technicians say they shouldn't do, specially when these machines experience non-normal / out-of-the-books operation.

Thanks again po.