Ignition/Neutral Switch Problems

[BrettKoenecke]

Hi there. I am stumped tonight. I have a '73 with 302 and C4 AT.
Bone stock, runs like a champ, usually.

Problem: Ignition key will not engage the starter. No click, no nothing. Turn the key to start and nothing happens.

Plenty of battery, that isn't it.
Starter will not engage in either park or neutral.
Checked the Neutral Safety Switch with an Ohmmeter. It checked out OK.

Jumping the solenoid made the starter turn over.
The motor would then run if the key was turned on, but would not if the key was not turned to run. The stereo runs when the key is turned on. So the key is working somewhat at least.

I presumed the solenoid was the problem so changed it out tonight. No change in the situation.

Either the NSS is needing adjustment or the ignition switch needs help. Thoughts? I could use some experience tonight. Thanks in advance.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Loosen the 2 small bolts holding the NSS. Block wheels and place trans in neutral. Insert small pin (1/16" drill bit) in hole in side of NSS. Adjust NSS body back and forth until pin can be pushed into hole approximately 1/2". Tighten NSS bolts.

If the NSS checked out with an ohmmeter then adjusting it won't help and the problem is at the ignition switch.

 

[BrettKoenecke]

Thanks. I thought that was the case too. I couldn't see what good adjusting the NSS would do if the ohmmeter showed it working, I appreciate that tip a bunch.

Now I'm wondering if its a wire from the ignition switch or the switch itself.
Ugh. Frustrating.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Whenever I am chasing a NSS I hold the key in start, firm foot on the brake, move the shifter around. Not just a jiggle, up and down from part through 1st gear.

 

[c0astie31]

I have a similar problem

Po cut 2 of the wires at the firewall and twisted them together. Starts up in all gears so I am guessing that is like jumping out the switch, I hook up the wires to the safety switch and I get nothing. I did the adjustment part and it is set with the pin and still nothing so I guess I am in the same boat as you.

 

[BrettKoenecke]

Thanks for those ideas, I appreciate them a bunch.

I don't have the stones to put it in gear and jump the solenoid but maybe after a few GrainBelts my courage will rise.

I have a hunch its a bad wire from the ignition switch.

How does one take the ignition switch out? Does that bezel pop off or twist off or ?

 

[Viperwolf1]

Thanks for those ideas, I appreciate them a bunch.

I don't have the stones to put it in gear and jump the solenoid but maybe after a few GrainBelts my courage will rise.

I have a hunch its a bad wire from the ignition switch.

How does one take the ignition switch out? Does that bezel pop off or twist off or ?

Just bypass the NSS temporarily to test the ignition switch. The connector is near the driver's side valve cover at the firewall. It has 4 wires, 2 red-blue and 2 black-red. Connect the red-blue wires together on the firewall side plug. This should allow it to start in any gear so be careful. You might even get lucky and find that connector unplugged.

 

[Viperwolf1]

I have a similar problem

Po cut 2 of the wires at the firewall and twisted them together. Starts up in all gears so I am guessing that is like jumping out the switch, I hook up the wires to the safety switch and I get nothing. I did the adjustment part and it is set with the pin and still nothing so I guess I am in the same boat as you.

Your NSS is bad.

 

[BrettKoenecke]

Thanks to youtube and this site, I was able to change out my ignition switch without a whole lot of problems. Put it back in and she fired right up last night. Whole thing working great and Im good to go. Very pleased with myself.

No such luck this morning. Well thinks I, I must have left the key on last night. Charged the battery this morning and the solenoid clicked but no starter engaged.

OK there's only one thing left and its wire from solenoid to switch. The purple one on the side right? I have no purple wire at the solenoid and do not know which is which. Help appreciated. I'll start looking for a schematic.