"Ernest Scribbler" wrote in message news:dt-

Before you go that far, though, there's a switch on
your shift lever that you should check. It's there to keep you from
starting
the engine with the drive in gear.

Yes... the neutral interlock safety switch on the throttle/shifter is more
suspect than the ignition switch. Try wiggling the throttle a bit with the
key turned to "start".

-W