Nissan Repair: 1996 Maxima Not Starting When Interior Heats Up, air intake hose, neutral safety switch

Question
When the car sits in the hot sun (and lately, very humid conditions)for a period of time, it won't start. I have to open the windows and cool off the interior and often times move from park to neutral before it starts. The battery is strong and when the key is turned there is no sound whatsoever. Could this be the neutral safety switch? If so where do I access it and how difficult is the repair? Is it accessed from under the car, in the cabin down from the shift, or in the engine compartment? Also, does it make sense that high tempatures/humidity cause the problem? It starts every time when it is cool.

THANKS in advance.

Answer
Barry,

Yes, it sounds like the neutral safety switch if you run it through the shift pattern and it starts usually means the neutral safety switch.  The switch is on the transmission where the shift cable connects.  Open the hood and look straight down on the drivers side, when in front of the car.  You will have to remove the air intake hose assembly to get access.  rockauto.com or courtesyparts.com are both cost effective places to get the part if you can wait.  They will second day air.  I say this since most parts places do not carry the switch.  Check locally but the price will be higher than on the internet.