[rack]

Hello,
I hope this is the correct place to post the question.

The car is 78 Monte Carlo with stock floor shifter.
The problem is that I cannot restart the engine if it stalls during driving. I need to stop, put the shifter in P and then restart it.
I have read in the manual that I can start the engine when in N.
Can you point me where should I look for problem and what could block the starter.

Thanks for the help,
Ivo

[poncho62]

Check the alignment of your neutral safety switch.......It is either in the console, on the trans or under the steering column.......If my old memory is right, yours is under the column

[rack]

Hi poncho62,
Thanks for reply.
Should I look for some broken circuit? I have some wires hanging there.
regards,
Ivo

[cobalt327]

Often it's the adjustment of the neutral switch. Check it by (safely in the driveway) putting the shifter in "N", and then trying the key. From there, try moving the shifter fore and aft a little from "N" as you try the key- if it's a little out of adjustment, this will cause it to try to start.

Keep your foot firmly on the brake in case it starts and is in gear.

[poncho62]

Originally Posted by rack

Hi poncho62,
Thanks for reply.
Should I look for some broken circuit? I have some wires hanging there.
regards,
Ivo

Not sure what the broken wires might be, a picture would be great........If it is still starting in park, the switch must be there.....the broken wires may be another problem....test to see if they are live (12 v)

[DOCTOR DC]

check your back up lights and see if they are working.same switch operates them. 2 purple wires for nuetral saftey switch and 2 light green wires for B/U lights.

[rack]

Hello again,
The switch i working, it is just misaligned. I made some tests as cobalt327 suggested. I should put the shifter almost on D in order to start the engine.
How can I adjust this?

Thanks for the help
Ivo

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by rack

Hello again,
The switch i working, it is just misaligned. I made some tests as cobalt327 suggested. I should put the shifter almost on D in order to start the engine.
How can I adjust this?

Thanks for the help
Ivo

The adjustment you want to make is to the shift linkage beneath the car. This is the linkage that goes from the tranny, forward and "up" to the end of the steering column.

With this linkage back in adjustment (it gets worn over time), the column lock out will allow starting in N or P w/o drama.

IIRC, there will be a lock bolt that holds the linkage going to the end of the column. Loosen this bolt and pull the linkage to remove any slack and retighten, this is all w/the shifter and tranny in "P".

[rack]

Hi cobalt327,

Thank you for the perfect explanation. I did the adjustment and now it is OK.

Thank you very much.

:-)

Ivo

[Underground]

Isn't the whole PURPOSE of a neutral safety switch to NOT allow the car to start in neutral?

[poncho62]

Originally Posted by Underground

Isn't the whole PURPOSE of a neutral safety switch to NOT allow the car to start in neutral?

No...it is there, so the car doesn't start when in gear (Drive, Reverse)......

[Underground]

DUH! I knew that. My brain must have been in neutral!!!