Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question - Dick: I have changed the tips that insert into the neutral Switch, and have checked all other wiring. I still could not start the car. I did however, move the shift lever, thru the other gears, which I have done in the past. After several attempts, the car started.
I am wondering, if the problem could be, the lever or device, that is inside the transmission, that causes the ball or ball bearing, on the inside part of the neutral switch, to not make contact, and causing the switch not to open the circuit.
Of course, this is my theory, and I would need your expert advice to confirm or refute this theory.
Have you ever heard of this problem?
Thanks again for your help,
Anthony J. Vitale P.S. The neutral switch has a spring loaded ball or ball bearing, that is depressed, from inside the trans, to activate the switch.
Dick: I have contacted you in the past, and your infromation, has always been hepful.
I am having an intermittent problem, starting the above Chrysler. I have had a new Neutral Switch installed, and the problem still exists. When I get under the car, and move the wires around, and tap the switch gently with a small hammer, the car always starts.
I am wondering, if it is a wiring problem, or a linkage problem?
I would appreciate any help, you can offer.
Respectfully,
Anthony J. Vitale Retired Police Detective Shield # 246
Answer -
Hello again, Anthony;
My guess is that the problem is in the wiring. It might not be obvious - you'll have to inspect the wire ends carefully, and also check for a situation where the inner copper has parted, yet the outer insulation still looks OK. This is common on really old wire. Maybe the best thing for you to do is just install a totally new wires and be done with it.
Good Luck.
Dick.
AnswerYeah, that could be the problem. I have not heard of this before, though. Why don't you take the neutral safety switch out again and feel in there with a small screwdriver or the like to see what happens as you move into Neutral. (does this car have a Park? - I'm not sure on a 54)
I'm thinking maybe the shift linkage is just slightly mis-adjusted (or perhaps worn) so that you aren't getting the lever that depresses the ball in the end of the switch exaclty positioned over the hole when the lever is in neutral - and maybe a slight linkage adjustment would correct this problem. If it is a wear induced problem, you could easily put a "secret" bypass switch under the dash so you could always get it to start even if it acts up on you again.
I guess it is very unlikely that the new switch is bad, but that is another possibility. You could take a VOM and measure how far you have to depress the ball to make it connect - maybe it is intermittant?
I think you'll have to do some detective work to understand this one!
Dick.
