Ever since i can remember, if i wanted to start the car with the selector in neutral i have had to wiggle it, but not untill tonight did it ever do it to me in park. I have figured out that by moving it, i can start the car right up, so it must be that safety switch. My question is, could that be in any way shape or form related to my shifter linkage bearings being shot? i have a TON of slop in that thing right now, just noticed it today actually. Not sure if it's been like that for a while or if it truely just got like that. IN other words, i can have the car in "2" and the selecter is really in "3". If i replace the bushings will my no start problem most likely go away? if i continue to drive it for a little while am i risking stranding myself somewhere?? thanks
Ryan

__________________
83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

I'd go ahead and replace it pronto. I had the same symptoms and ignored just a little too long. It suddenly and completely failed while out of town. I had to have the car towed, etc. etc. It was a real headache. The part is only about $25, and installation is straightforward.

If you don't get it replaced, learn how to jump the starter via the solenoid from under the hood. That way you can start the car even if the neutral switch goes out on you.

you dont think it could have anything to do with the shifter bushings though?
thanks
Ryan

__________________
83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

Ryan:

Yes, the shifter bushings missing can make the safety switch act up, just like it can make you think you are in one gear and are actually in another. However, if you replace the bushings (a pain in the butt) and the problems persists, you will need to replace the switch.

On my 220D, I have trouble getting the starter to work in park, then in neutral, then it won't work at all. I jumpered the switch the last time, until I can get the garage clear (something about restoring my brother's 300D). Not a good idea, as I have already started the car in drive once.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

You can figure out the where and how to operate the starter from under the hood in your engine manual, 01-010 Compression Check.

You jumper between terminals 30 and 50, the manual shows these to be on the right wheel house (thats' passenger wheel wel hump in American speak!) make SURE its' in Park, turn the key on to position III, wait the time you usually wait and make a connection between these two terminals to turn the starter, don't cause it to turn over any shorter or longer than you would normally with your key. You can pick up a momentary contact switch at the parts store and a couple of insulated alligator clips and a piece of wire and you can do it like a pro! If you use long enough pieces of wire you can use this device to turn the engine when you do a compression check or any time you need to bump the engine over i. e. when your trying to line up the torque converter drain plug with its' opening when you change your tranny fluid.

well, my own procrastination kicked me in the ass tonight. Shut off the car to go into an arby's and when i came out-nothing. Right now i'm up at Jacksonville moving into my dorm room at UNF, and i have to use a pair of needle nose to start the darn thing by jumping the selinoid. I guess it's my own lazyness that did it to me....arghh...
R

__________________
83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.

and now it starts just fine again....go figure. Oh well, at least she's runnin!
R

__________________
83 300SD.......sold
96 integra SE....sold
99 a4 quattro....sold
2001 IS300.......sold
2002 330i.........current.
2004 highlander limited....current.