I have a 2000 f350 xlt and it has been very good until now. I can be driving normal and stop and park, when I get in and try and start it , it acts like the neutral safety switch is not working. the key turns and all my dash lights work, radio works, everything but the starter. I have to put it into neutral to get it to start. then after I stop again, it works fine. I don't get the problem all the time and I can't find a neutral safety switch.

Does Anyone know if I have one and where it is? Has anyone else ever had this problem, and how did you fix it?
Thanks for any help.

 

Transmission range switch on the trans shift lever.....Also check the bolts under the dash under the column where the shift linkage attaches. Bolts come loose and won't start or go into gear properly.

 

Transmission range sensor or neutral saftey switch is on the drivers side of the transmission. If there is a lot of slop in the shift lever you will want to check the torx bolts under the dash that 99350sd mentioned. Does your od light flash, any codes if the od light has flashed there is a code stored even if it doesn't flash all the time. Does the light work if you push the button if you've never seen it flash? Is the shift lever hard to move very tight or have a lot of slop in it or maybe both?

 

A friend's son had a similar problem with his car. It turned out to be the chip inside his key went bad. He pulled out the other key and was back in business. Might not be your problem, but should be easy to check if you have another key..

Regards - Randy

 

No chipped keys till 08 except excursions.

 

I would say its the bolts on the column too. The easiest way to check that is to pull it down in neutral and see if it'll start the next time it gives you problems. My van was doing the same thing.

 

I wanted to thank you for the help. After looking at my bolts holding my trans cable to the steering column, I found that 2 bolts were just about to fall out. Hard to believe but that was it. Thank you my friend, it works perfect again. I also have 1st gear again.

 

I guess I should have said ," Thanks Guys". There were several of you who gave me good advice.

 

You are welcome...