Intermittent Starting Problem

[Idontcare2]

Sent: 3/3/2004

I have an 86 Chieftain that decides every now and then to not want to start.  When the problem happens you hear a click in the engine compartment when engaging the key in the start position.  I have never had to "hit" the starter to get it to run, but I have found that sometimes, running the gear selecting out of park and back into park will sometimes work. However, it will still not start in nuetral (sometimes) also.  Other times, just clicking the ignition key a couple of times will work. I don't suspect the starter to be the prolem as I have manually jumped it with the old screw driver trick and it takes off every time.  My thoughts are possibly in the following: Ignition switch, or possibly a switch of some sort relating to the gear selector? Any thoughts are appreciated.
Shawn

[enigma960080]

Sent: 3/3/2004

Sounds like a neutral safety switch  to me...  Might  need to be adjusted.

[Idontcare2]

Sent: 3/3/2004

Got any suggestions on the "how-to" part of that?   What to look for, how to set, how to adjust, etc.?

[Daved27c]

Sent: 3/3/2004

Shawn;

I think another possibility could be the wiring going to the ign switch itself. I had the plug on mine come loose, and had the results you talk about.

Dave

[denisondc]

Sent: 3/4/2004

I dont know what brand of chassis your Chieftain is on - too late of a model for my knowledge. On a 70s Dodge chassis the neutral safety switch is located on the rear drivers side of the A727 tranny, and has two functions. It makes a connection to the backup lights to be on when the tranny is in reverse. It also Should make the connection to your starter relay when the tranny is in park Or neutral. The internal contacts might be dirty. Its not too expensive or hard to replace, though fluid would try to spurt out when you unscrew it. Since the external connector is in a dirty oily environment, it could just need cleaning.
If your chassis is a Chevy or other make, it would still have a neutral safety switch and probably work in a similar fashion. It could be located on the shift linkage somewhere if it isnt on the transmission.
guessing denison 

[Idontcare2]

Sent: 3/4/2004

Denison,

Thanks for the info.  It is on a GMC Chassis and I have a good feeling that it is the nuetral safety switch reason being I noticed my backup lights are not working while checking bulbs.  I put the bulbs in other socket and they work.  Didn't get under it today as its raining but will let all know when it dries up.

Shawn

[Fellowrvers1]

Sent: 3/8/2004

Have a '78 brave which has same problems.  This started only after taking transmission out and having it rebuilt.  I believe it is a simple adjustment in the linkage on the aide of the transmissiom or linkage on steering column.  Haven't gotten into it much.Will do some investigating

[denisondc]

Sent: 3/11/2004 

Yes, you have to twist the switch just right. It seems to be mounted where the shifting arm comes out of the transmission and there is a process spelled out in the service manuals, but on my 87 Chev van I dont have the little tool they show in the manual -l J41364-A. So I think I would just loosen up the switch and move it slightly one way or the other until it worked right. denison