dhartley72

i just brought another 72 cutlass today.....my problem is i have to crank it up in Reverse and then i can put it in park,drive and everything else.... car drives perfect only issue is cranking up in Reverse.....do anyone know what the problem may be????????

2blu442

Check the adjustment on the neutral safety switch. If this year has it at the base of the column you can loosen and adjust it to try and get it into Park for starting. John

dhartley72

thanks i will try it first thing in the morning.....also r u talking about on the column by the floor shifter

Yellowstatue

If it is a console equipped car then the neutral start switch is under the console top and attached to the shifter bracket. It's the switch with the heavy purple wires...

Boldsmobile

I believe console switch is 70 only.

svnt442

Yeah 71/72 cars only used the one on at the base of the column.

2blu442

I didn't remember what year(s) were console only, but if yours in on the column that's easy to check. Look at the base of the steering column between the brake and gas pedals. On top of the column maybe 6-8 inches from the floorboard/firewall. If the switch is there you'll see it with the wires attached to it. I don't remember for sure, but think its held on by two small screws that a 5/16" or 1/4" wrench fits, it's been a while since I messed with one of these but I believe if you loosen those two fasteners you can move the switch side to side. If I'm remembering this right that will move where you can start the car. If you can't find it or our comments aren't clear make another post and we'll try to walk you through it. John

Thanks for the confirmation Randy!

Boldsmobile

Part #31 in image below.

tiltcolumn.gif

2blu442

Pete, I was describing #71. It's been a while since I tinkered with one, but I thought the adjustment was down there. John

dhartley72

thanks guys okay but im a lil lost...sorry im new at this...but is that the pic of the steering wheel or is it towards the bottom of the floor?....my cutlass has the console shifter...should it be located somewhere by it?????? also the car goes into gears good its just when cranking it up i have to put it n reverse

Gary's 2 442-S

I just replaced my neutral switch. I also have a 72 with the console shifter. the Neutral Switch is located on the steering column to the very back where the steering column meets the the firewall.It is located where 2blu442 decribes it to be. It appears that yours is not adjusted correctly.

Boldsmobile

My #31 = your #71. I obviously need to get my eyes fixed !!

dhartley72

okay thanks everyone it was the nuetral saftey swicth......even tho it says for column shifter it works with the console shift as well....it was a $7.99 fix ....thanks again