James Wilson

Hello folks i have a question.i recently had my 72 cutlass worked on.the work that was done required the tranny to be pulled anyway my neutral safety switch is out of adjustment how do i need to readjust the switch im open for any suggestions

MDchanic

1. Loosen 2 screws holding switch to column.
   
2. Move switch.
   
3. Tighten 2 screws holding switch to column.

- Eric

Octania

Linkage at equalizer [frame to trans rod] more likely.

It's an easily adjusted single pinch bolt.

MT or AT?

James Wilson

At

MDchanic

If the problem is, as you say, the NSS being out of adjustment, as indicated by having to hold the shift lever either up or down in order to start the car (I'm ASSuming a column shift, here), and NOT a problem with the indicator needle misaligned with the letters, then see what I wrote above.

If the needle is misaligned, then it's the linkage.

If it's a floor shift, then sorry, but I can't keep track of which year had the switch where.

- Eric

joe_padavano

Sorry, Eric, but I'm with Chris. The OP said the trans was removed, which means that the linkage from the trans to the steering column was disturbed. The actual NSS on the column should not have been touched. Logic says that the linkage was not properly adjusted when reassembled.

MDchanic

Not worth an argument, and I understand your rationale that the last thing touched should be the problem, but my rationale is this:

If the transmission linkage has moved enough to cause a problem, then the indicator position should also be off.
If the indicator position is still where it was, then the linkage shouldn't be the problem, especially since adjusting it would also change the indicator position.

I fully accept that I may be wrong, but that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.
I'm curious to learn whether I'm right.

(Disclaimer: the only floor shifts I've ever dealt with have been manuals, so if this is a floor shift, I might be missing something)

- Eric

joe_padavano

Oh, yes it is.

MDchanic

Oh no it isn't.

68oldscutlass

A. I kind of want to see a good argument play out..it's been that kind of day. B. I dont have exactly the same problem but I have to wiggle my column shift sometimes to get reverse lights to work. I THINK it is the NSS. Just a pain in the butt to get to. Thoughts?

MDchanic

I'd say so.

Could be mid adjusted or could be a bad switch (poor contact).

I've got a truck that does that. For the past 5 years its been easier for me to wiggle the lever than to bother with the switch adjustment.

- Eric

joe_padavano

Would that be the five minute argument or the half hour argument?

MDchanic

Oh. Half hour please.