2004 Aveo will not start without Putting and holding all the way in gear

[gumps10]

My wife's 2004 5 speed hatchback sometimes will not start (starter will not even engage) unless you put it in gear and hold the shifter all the way in gear. Today when she stopped @ the gas station it wouldn't start and even this didn't work. While on the way to rescue her I had her hold the key on while she moved the shifter around (slammed around would probably be a better term) and it started. I'm assuming it's a sort of safety switch that needs adjustment or replacement but need to know the name and how to adjust or replace to repair.

Any help would be awsome

Thanks
Dave

[Pickles]

There shouldnt be any switch at all in the shifter other than for the reverse lights...

[gumps10]

I don't believe it is on the shifter but on the transmission itself....

[Pickles]

The only sensor like that on the transmission is for the shift light, that goes off if the car is in 1-4 gear. Other than that as far as I'm aware of there is no other sensors

[mcthumber]

I thought the interlock switch was in the clutch. My 5 speed will not turn over unless the clutch is in or the car is in neutral.

[gumps10]

I know it sounds odd and I know it doesn't jive but I'm telling you from a year of experience, that when it does this it will only start with the Shifter pushed firmly in gear.... I'm confused myself that is why I got on here because what you guys are telling me is what I know to be fact from dealing with previous cars and trucks
Also this car doesn't appear to have a shift light (or at least it has never worked)

[Pickles]

Maybe the shift light is only on the ecotec. I haven't taken a good look at the e tec or the e tec trans. Maybe daox can help?

[MetroMPG]

So you're saying *usually* it starts normally regardless of where the shifter is (even in neutral)?

I've never heard of a manual car that requires you to be in gear to start the engine. Someone with a wiring schematic could confirm whether there's a "non-neutral" circuit in there. Don't expect you'll find one.

I'm tempted to think that when the problem happens you're also pushing down harder on the clutch pedal -- even unconsciously -- while you're pushing the gear shift. Which would suggest a clutch switch issue.

But I'm not going to argue the point with you! You seem adamant it's shifter-related.

[mcthumber]

I retract part of my earlier statement-- my 5 speed will only turn over with the clutch engaged. In neutral and the clutch disengaged results in nothing happening when the key is turned.