starter sometimes doesnt want to work

[johna20376]

87 elcamino automatic with a floor shift. Sometimes the starter will not work unless I turn the steering column below the steering wheel. when I turn it the starter will work. Could this be a neutral safety switch problem?

 

[RITTER]

Definitely some type of switch connection, could be an ignition switch too.

 

[johna20376]

Forgot to mention ignition switch has been replaced. Thanks

 

[RITTER]

What about that key switch rod on the steering column? maybe getting hung up

 

[monte olrac]

I'm almost sure that switch is ajustable at the bottom of your column

 

[captain-FN]

your probably gonna have to take the colum apart...... but the last time this happened to me i ended up with a push botton for the starter lol

 

[DrRansom442]

I'd 2nd going into the column .... sounds like it needs to be tightenned up .... is there any side to side play (assuming this is tilt). Does the column lock and unlock ok? Any problems getting the keys out? Problems engage or premature disengaging of turn signals?

 

[Doober]

Are you rotating it, as in like you would a column shifter? If so then it's likely the NSS/backdrive setup. If you look on the engine-side of the firewall at the column, you'll still see the arm that most would only to be considered part of a column-shifted car. On the contrary, some cars actually had what's called a backdrive rod. Its purpose was so the car could not be started while in gear. A rod was connected to the detent selector on the trans, and everything moved as a column-shift car would, but the actual shifting was done by the floor shifter.
http://www.slyagent.com/tech/bdrl.htm

If you don't ever plan on installing this piece of ingenious engineering ( ), use something to hold it in the park position (tack weld, or otherwise)

 

[DrRansom442]

stupid question park position or nuetral?

 

[Doober]

Park or neutral should work.