Have a Ford F350, 7.3L turbo diesel with automatic transmission. Sometimes, on the turn of the key, the truck will not start. no noise, no nothing... just as if all batteries are dead. If I push up on the gear shift ****, then try again, it starts right up.

any idea what might cause this? i'm wondering if it's the starter solenoid, but i'm not sure.

it's not a real big deal, but i figure one day the gear shift trick will stop working and i'll actually have to find and fix the issue!

thanks

 

I would check your neutral safety switch. (It disables the starter unless you are in Park or Neutral). Sounds like it may need adjusting or replacing.

 

Sounds like your gear shift lever is loose. Should be a couple of torx head screws you can tighten up to remove the slop in the shifter.

 

the gear shift is noticably loose. i'll look for a way to tighten that, and will also chck the neutral safety switch.

thanks

 

Do you have the shift tube that is around 2 plastic guides that wear out?

If so, replace that.

 

What's the procedure to get to those screws that tighten up the shifter?