Nissan Repair: car wont start all of a sudden (nissan sentra XE 1993), neutral safety switch, nissan sentra

Question
QUESTION: my car just decided to not start anymore! its not because of the battery because the headlights and radio still work, when i turn the key it doesn't turn over at all.
first thought was that the starter or solenoid where shot. i bipassed the solenoid and went to the starter and the car started.

could it be something other then the solenoid?


ANSWER: John,

It is probably the neutral safety switch.  If you have an automatic it is on the shift mechanism on the transmission and if it is a manual it is on the clutch pedal.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: if the car doesn't start when its in nuetral then could it still be the nuetral safety switch?

Answer
John,

The neutral safety switch is probably gone out.  If you have an automatic and the switch goes the car will not start even if it is in park or neutral.  Also, if you have a manual transmission the pedal has to be pressed in and if the switch at the top of the pedal has gone out it will not start.  The solution is to replace the switch.