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Why won't it start in Park... only Neutral

RT6PK

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Location
Poland, Ohio
HELP!!! Working on a '67 Belvedere 318 Auto with A/C. My plan was to disconnect the ammeter, bolt the terminals together, and run an aftermarket voltmeter. I dropped the steering column down to make room to remove the instrument cluster. I Pulled the cluster out far enough to reach the ammeter, disconnected the ammeter, and put everything back together. Now the car only starts in Park some of the time, (not all the time)... but it does start in Neutral all the time. The starter relay and ignition switch were replaced at the end of last year. Any ideas what I can check?
 
Check the neutral safety switch on transmission? I swap out the steering column in my super bee and I must’ve somehow pulled the wires to the switch as it was loose. Pushed the plug back on switch, bingo.
 
Safety Neutral Switch. This just happened to me last summer when messing with the speedo cable.
 
I had a 69 Ford Fairlane that did the same thing, even though the column was never messed with. With your left arm, work the shift lever while turning the key and see if it's something in the shift lever when in Park. See if there's a sweet spot that the lever has to be in to work. Maybe a pinched wire or something else you accidently did? Good Luck
 
before changing your neutral saftey switch I would first try to adjust the shifter linkage. When it is in park now(it might not be engaging the neutral saftey switch contact so the car thinks it is in gear and will not start). If that doesn't work I would say your neutral switch is bad like the other guys say. I think you just need to adjust it because you said it starts sometimes in park.
 
I agree with moes, try adjusting the linkage first. Since you dropped the steering column, it's a good possibility that it's not making full contact with the switch. Whatever you do, DON'T bypass it, bad things can happen. LOL.
 
It was the shifter linkage. The safety switch was fine. Thanks to all who responded.
 
Glad you got it! My 68 sometimes won't start back up in park, but if I rock the car back n forth it does...trans not always properly engaging the switch apparently
 
Just for the record when you drop the pan (727) you see the cam or rooster tail type thing for the shifter selector. There is a plastic insulator on it. It could have part of it shaped off. If so that is were the problem could be. You can buy that part drill out the rivet that holds it and re rivet a new one in. Also it might be time to replace the seal of the shaft for it. You do have to remove the valve body.
 
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