Nissan Repair: Nissan Pathfinder 95 Automatic Starting issues, neutral safety switch, nissan pathfinder

Question
von,
About two weeks ago after pumping gas and listening to the radio, I tried to
start the car, and it wouldn't start. No turnover, however electrical worked,
headlights, dash lights, radio, etc. I had someone jump me, for the first five
minuets wouldn't start, however eventually got it to start. Drove for about 30
mins hoping this would charge the alternator or battery. However, next
morning wouldn't start. I bought a new battery and did some personal tests
on the alternator ( magnetic screw driver to the alternator while key is on
position, slight pull toward the part) and because electrical components were
working correctly, moved to the next possibility. Then thought to bang the
starter with a hammer, no luck on starting. I didn't figure it was the starter
due to no prior issues and no problem starting when the initial failure
occurred.  While tinkering around about a week later, still unable to get it
started mind you, I tried the shift from neutral to park trick while trying to
start. This worked! I was able to get it started, no problems, started right up!
I hope this counts out starter and ignition issues? However, I was unable to
get it started again. I recently was doing some research and found out a
common problem with the neutral safety switch. This sounded like this could
be the issue, if you agree where is this relay located? If you don't agree, what
else could i look at? I assumed the safety witch was attached somewhere
along the shifter, so i removed the center counsel and took a look. However,
not confident enough to make a decision. Please help, appreciate any input,
out of ideas.... THANKS!

Answer
Ryan,

Sounds like the neutral safety switch is gone.  I would first replace this.  Second, do not use a hammer or anything to strike the starter.  The newer starters have ceramic fields in the case and if you wack them too hard they will fracture and the starter will not work anymore.  I know, I have done it to myself and had to replace a good starter after I wacked it with a wrench.  But, for my bet the neutral safety switch is defective.  You can test this by jumping the starter with a length of wire from the large terminal to the samll starter terminal.