Author Topic: Bad neutral switch ??  (Read 7347 times)

Danishbanker

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Bad neutral switch ??
« on: May 24, 2014, 03:40:55 PM »
I think I have a bad neutral switch - but how can I tell for sure if it is bad or okey ??

The car starts most time, but now it will not start - nothing happens :-(

Any idea what that loop wire is for? and why it is there ?

Regards
Claus
* 55 Chevy Bel Air
* 67 Camaro RS
* Harley Fatboy
www.bankmand.com

bertfam

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Re: Bad neutral switch ??
« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2014, 04:55:51 PM »
The two purple wires go to the neutral safety switch and "close" the circuit when you're in park or neutral (auto) or have the clutch depressed (manual) allowing the car to start. Someone has bypassed it so the circuit is ALWAYS "closed"!. In this case your car "should" be able to start in any gear setting.

Ed

Danishbanker

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Re: Bad neutral switch ??
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2014, 06:24:06 PM »
What would be the point of shorten the circut permanent ??

The loop is on the wireharnes end - if I disconnect the wires from the neutral switch, should it allso start then?

I am trying to truble shoot why it wont start... and after a while it starts a few times, and then it dont again.

Where should I look ? and how do a look ??

Thanks
Claus
* 55 Chevy Bel Air
* 67 Camaro RS
* Harley Fatboy
www.bankmand.com

bertfam

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Re: Bad neutral switch ??
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2014, 08:53:39 PM »
The jumper wire you have makes the circuit "closed" at all times, therefore bypassing the neutral safety switch. This allows the car to start no matter what gear the car is in. NOT a good idea, but lots of people do it because they don't want to mess with a possible bad neutral safety switch.

Your switch is out of the picture at this point so you'll have to look elsewhere. Sounds like a loose wire somewhere.

Ed

WayneinNZ

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Re: Bad neutral switch ??
« Reply #4 on: May 24, 2014, 11:48:15 PM »
I would replace the Neutral Safelty Switch seeing as how  you have already got the console apart.
When I bought my car someone had put in a shorting link just like you have and I was not aware of it. I started the car one morning and almost drove out the back wall of my garage. I had left it in Drive when I turned it off last time I parked it up.
If your car wont crank over with the switch shorted out then check for 12V at the starter solanoid terminal with the ignition key in the cranking position. You will need someont to turn the key while you measure the voltage at the starter motor solanoid.
If there is no voltage there then either you have a bad ignition switch or a dirty fuse holder in the fuse box.
Also check that the engine has a good Ground connection (negative) back to the battery and that the positive connection to the starter motor is ok.
I hope that helps


Steve68

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Re: Bad neutral switch ??
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2014, 02:59:20 PM »
As Wayne said, see if you have voltage to the solenoid.  If you do have power and not hearing a clicking sound from the starter solenoid then it is bad.  If you hear a clicking (solenoid kicking in) then the starter is likely bad.

Steve

Danishbanker

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Re: Bad neutral switch ??
« Reply #6 on: May 25, 2014, 09:37:28 PM »
Thanks for you input guys - however I have spotted the problem now ;-)

I have a new ignition switch installed ½ year ago, now I have checked the starter and solenoid - they work fine. I can hear the starter relay clicking when cranking the car.

I couldnt get power to the purple wire on the starter, so I followed the wires back in the car - removed half the instruments panels etc for checking alle the terminals etc, and everything looke fine !?!?

so after pulling my hear all day I accedently discovered the the wireloop didnt bring power to both purple wires, and I did a new wire loop between the 2 purple and the cars starts perfect :-))))

I have ordered a new neutral switch, so tomorrow EVERYTHING goes back, AND I am a hole lot weiser in how things work and look from the backside of the dashboard ;-)
* 55 Chevy Bel Air
* 67 Camaro RS
* Harley Fatboy
www.bankmand.com