My cutlass sometimes doesn't start not even crank in park. I have to put it in neutral then tart it. How do I tighten the linkage? Or is it something to get fixed professionally?

 

Check your neutral safety switch adjustment.

 

Sounds like your neutral safety switch is going bad or a little misadjusted. When it won't start in Park, try moving the gear selector (left or right if a column shift, front to back if a console) back and forth in Park (don't let it slip down into Reverse) while turning the key.

 

I'm not good with Trans related things. A little more detail please?

 

But something it won't even start in neutral. I go back to park then I start it.

 

How would I replace the switch or adjust it?

 

If you have a column shifter its at the bottom of the steering column near the floor, should be on top of the column. Its cresent shaped has a screw on each end just loosen the screws and adjust accordingly. If you have floor shifter its inside the console, adjustment is the same. Its an electric switch which allows you to only start the car in park or neutral, a safety feature. So it wont start in drive or reverse which could be catastrophic.

 

Ihave a floor shift. Does that mean I have to take the column apart? Or is it by the linkage? I can see the linkage on the left side of the Trans.

 

It's in your console, as indicated above, NOT on the side of your trans.

 

So I would have to take apart the console or is there a way under the car?

 

My suggestion is go on ebay and buy yourself a shop manual for your car. Get an original GM manual and not something like a Haynes manual. Prices will vary widely. I think Wild About Cars has the download for free. This is one of the first things anybody buying an old car should have.

 

Like redoldsman says sounds like you need to do some reading, plus it has pictures which for some is about the only way they will understand unless your one of those guys that should be taking your car to the shop. That or buy a new car! If that's the case well ........ I see guys get on here sometimes that ask ?s about stuff and that's fine no matter how easy or difficult for one or another it may be but when you can't comprehend what they are telling you to do , we'll then you are waisting another mans time time .
Some people just are not meant to be working on a car PERIOD!

 

The '71/'72 neutral safety switch is on the column for both floor shift and column shift setups. On floor shift cars, it is operated by the backdrive linkage that moves the lock collar on the steering column, so its operation is the same as the column shift cars.

This thread has a diagram of the column showing the NSS location, plus there is a description of where it is and how to adjust it:
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...blem-help.html

One thing you can try right off is when it won't start, grab the collar on the column and turn it slightly. Sometimes this is all it takes to get the NSS aligned and make contact.

 

Oh no I'm not them guys that take cars to a shop. If I can't do it, ima do what ever I can even if it's taking the body off the car and having to adjust one screw ill do it

 

The neutral safety switch is one of the easiest adjust or replace jobs you can do. But if you plan on keeping the car and working on it, the factory Service Manual is a MUST!

 

Lay down on the floor.. look at the steering column where it hits the firewall.. easy fix. could just be out of alignment too. Two small bolts hold it in place..

 

As noted, from 1971-up, the NSS was mounted on the steering column. Floor shift cars used the backdrive linkage (that locks the shifter with the key) is used to operate the NSS. The first thing to do is check the adjustment of the backdrive linkage. The linkage has plastic bushings that can wear, causing slop.

The next thing to check is the adjustment of the NSS on the column. If that is correct, then the NSS needs to be replaced.