I just purchased an 89 wagon before Xmas and it seems to run pretty well overall but one weird problem has occurred on two occasions.

When shifting into, or thru, N or R, a hideous screeching occurs for 2-3 seconds. Like starter engaging a running motor. When this problem has surfaced, the headlights, radio, fan blower, etc. are also non functional.

Shutting the car off and restarting has cured the problem on both occasions.

Any ideas what this is or how to diagnose?

Ed

Sounds like the ignition switch is not returning to the "run" position after starting, which,the sound you hear would actually be the starter staying engaged, and would explain why the accessories are not working. Check to see how smoothly the key opperates. If it is binding, you would need to replace the lock cylinder or the ignition switch or both. The most economical fix would to make a consious effort to manually return the key to "run" after starting.
GL>
Rick.

Rick:

Thanks, I will check that. My thinking was that if the starter was remaining engaged, I would hear it grinding constantly? I only hear the horrible sound when moving into or thru P or N. I can actually drive the car with trans in D and would not know anything's wrong aside from the lack of accessories.

Thanks again,

Ed

The accessory circuit is disabled in the "start" position. It could be that the switch is in between "start" and "run" and, I may be reaching here but, the movement of the shifter could engage the "start" circuit. Anyway, let me know what,if any, other symptoms occur.
GL>
Rick.

Rick:

I think you diagnosis is correct. I'll have to wait until this happens again to be sure but I checked by starting the car, trans in D, then move key to start position. All accessories go off and when I attempted to move shifter to N, same exact sound. Therefore, my confidence is about 95% that the ignition switch is the problem. Thanks again for your input.

Ed
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