Not Starting

bcg88 · 11-14-2007, 10:09 PM

My 69 Olds occaisionally will not start for me. I turn the key and
the starter will not engage. No click, no anything. The accessories
come on so I know the battery is fine. I believe the problem is a
link to the automatic TH400 transmission from the column mounted
shift. To get her started I can wiggle the gear shift and she
starts. This is an intermittant issue. I think it is an issue with
the shift linkage letting the tranny think it is in gear thus not
engaging the starter? Thoughts? If so any recommendations on a
cure? One friend thinks it is the neutral safety switch but it seems mechanical in nature in that i can wiggle the shifter to get her started.

ozoneblue · 11-15-2007, 04:47 AM

Sounds like your friend is right N/S switch on lower part of column is out of adjustment

Oldsguy · 11-15-2007, 05:06 AM

Yes I agree with ozonbblue, check your neutral safety switch they aren't hard to get to. You will probably find it is loose, I believe they bolt onto the steering column with to screws on either side sort of like ears or tabs. There is a pin protruding from the column that moves the switch to the closed position. Good luck.

kevinkpk · 11-15-2007, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

Yes I agree with ozonbblue, check your neutral safety switch they aren't hard to get to. You will probably find it is loose, I believe they bolt onto the steering column with to screws on either side sort of like ears or tabs. There is a pin protruding from the column that moves the switch to the closed position. Good luck.

I agree it is the neutral safty switch, that said, it might be a worn shifter, if you have to hold it back towards park to start, it more than likely is a worn shifter. Or you can bypass the switch altogether and "start and go" at the same time (LOL, sorry had tooo)..

Olds64 · 11-15-2007, 03:31 PM

If the shifter is worn then wouldn't it be the detent in the transmission that is worn? I didn't think there was a detent in the actual steering column. If you disconnect the link to the transmission the shift lever should slide back and forth smoothly. At least, I thought it did.

88 coupe · 11-15-2007, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcg88

........ the shift linkage letting the tranny think it is in gear ........

Neutral safety switch, is the part of the linkage that does that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olds64

If the shifter is worn then wouldn't it be the detent in the transmission that is worn? ........

No. It is rare for a detent to show any wear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olds64

........ If you disconnect the link to the transmission the shift lever should slide back and forth smoothly .........

Yes.

The NS switch is part of the shift linkage, not the detent.

Norm

bcg88 · 11-16-2007, 07:53 AM

Is the switch something that can be adjusted or should i simply replace it?

88 coupe · 11-17-2007, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcg88

Is the switch something that can be adjusted ........

Yes.

Norm

Oldsguy · 11-18-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88 coupe

Yes.

Norm

I think the "ears" have slotted holes that allow the position of the switch to move in relationship to the transmisison linkage pin (or pawl? not sure on correct terminology here).

11-14-2007, 10:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
bcg88 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 36	Not Starting My 69 Olds occaisionally will not start for me. I turn the key and the starter will not engage. No click, no anything. The accessories come on so I know the battery is fine. I believe the problem is a link to the automatic TH400 transmission from the column mounted shift. To get her started I can wiggle the gear shift and she starts. This is an intermittant issue. I think it is an issue with the shift linkage letting the tranny think it is in gear thus not engaging the starter? Thoughts? If so any recommendations on a cure? One friend thinks it is the neutral safety switch but it seems mechanical in nature in that i can wiggle the shifter to get her started.

11-15-2007, 05:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
Oldsguy Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 2,990	Yes I agree with ozonbblue, check your neutral safety switch they aren't hard to get to. You will probably find it is loose, I believe they bolt onto the steering column with to screws on either side sort of like ears or tabs. There is a pin protruding from the column that moves the switch to the closed position. Good luck. __________________ Dan '46 2 door

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11-15-2007, 04:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
ozoneblue Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 412	Sounds like your friend is right N/S switch on lower part of column is out of adjustment

11-15-2007, 03:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 1,640	If the shifter is worn then wouldn't it be the detent in the transmission that is worn? I didn't think there was a detent in the actual steering column. If you disconnect the link to the transmission the shift lever should slide back and forth smoothly. At least, I thought it did.

11-16-2007, 07:53 AM	#7 (permalink)
bcg88 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 36	Is the switch something that can be adjusted or should i simply replace it?