Neutral safety switch
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
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.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 16
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............
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Vashon Islander
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Aug 24, 2014 03:36 AM
71Camper
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jun 25, 2012 09:39 AM
