Neutral safety switch
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
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Just went through this, myself, bigcountry. If you've snapped off the NSS pin that's clamped to the steering shaft inside the column, which is kinda common as I'm finding out, you can still start the truck by reaching down and moving the switch nub to the left about a quarter of an inch. And then, order a new one for $12 from Dennis Carpenter (the exact same flimsy piece of tin will cost you $40 from LMC Truck).
If the NSS itself is bad and isn't responding to moving that nub manually, I don't think it'll start unless you rewire it to bypass it.
Can anybody confirm or correct this?
If the NSS itself is bad and isn't responding to moving that nub manually, I don't think it'll start unless you rewire it to bypass it.
Can anybody confirm or correct this?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
What year is the truck ? 79 has it mounted to the transmission and yes they can give that problem. You can bypass it where it plugs in to the harness in the engine compartment just to get it going. Just make sure you have it in park with the brake set.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
A lot of times you can start it in neutral if the safety switch goes bad. I've seen it done in a lot of the old Fairmonts and LTDs. A friend of mine had to start his Fairmont in neutral for a few months because no garage + new england winter = not working on a car.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: South west Idaho
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Ideeho
Or just unplug it and put in a jumper wire between the two wires that go to it. That way you can start it in any shifter position..........preferably "Park" That would be the safest way. If it starts with it jumpered, the switch is either bad or out of adjustment. You can check to see if the switch is actually bad by using an ohm meter and checking continuity. If you have continuity when the switch is activated manually, its just out of adjustment.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 16
From: Ideeho
A short piece of 14-16 guage wire would work better. A piece of old extension cord maybe? Surely you have a small chunk of wire somewhere........... A paper clip would work just dont let it touch ground anywhere............
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