Can an automatic transmission car start in P gear?
3 Answers
An automatic transmission car can start in P gear. In fact, the transmission of an automatic car is not that fragile, and it can be started in either P gear or N gear. More information about P gear is as follows: 1. P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission models, usually located at the frontmost position of the gearshift console, in front of the R gear, designed to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope. 2. Both P gear and N gear are neutral gears. The power generated by the engine input cannot be transmitted to the transmission output, which is why drivers often experience a slight slide after parking in P gear on uneven roads. 3. Since P gear is equipped with an additional mechanical braking device, the vehicle will not move once the gear grooves in the transmission are locked by the pawl.
Having driven automatic transmission cars for decades, I'm well aware that the engine can only be successfully started in P (Park) or N (Neutral) gear. This is a core safety design of vehicles - the engine is only permitted to start when the gearshift is locked in P or N, preventing accidental ignition in driving gears which could cause sudden vehicle movement and potential injuries. If one accidentally attempts to start in D (Drive) gear, the dashboard will either display a warning or remain completely unresponsive, protecting both the transmission system and fuses from damage. I've developed a habit of always pressing the brake pedal first, visually confirming the gear display shows P before pressing the ignition button or turning the key. This practice becomes particularly crucial when parking on slopes, where combining it with the handbrake prevents rolling. New drivers might forget initially, but with regular practice it becomes second nature. Regularly inspecting gear system components like fluids and sensors ensures smooth operation - safe driving begins with these small but critical details.
During driving lessons, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that an automatic transmission can only be effectively started in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position. I tested this on a simulator—pressing the start button in other gears yielded no response at all, entirely blocked by the electronic control system. If you forcibly attempt to start the engine in R (Reverse) or D (Drive), the car may sound an alarm buzzer or directly lock out, minimizing accidental risks. A smooth engine sound after startup indicates the correct procedure. In my early days, I often misremembered the positions, but now it’s second nature: before each start, I manually nudge the gear lever to P, press the brake, and then start—it’s safer. For city commuting, this step is simple yet crucial; forming the habit can prevent battery waste or damage. A colleague once forgot to engage P on a slope, nearly causing the car to roll, but corrected it in time. Starting in Neutral is possible, but combining P with the electronic parking brake is more reliable.
