NSS or adjust shifter linkage... questions.

[340Rallye]

Asked a question on my introduction thread about my car sometimes starting in park or neutral only... After sending a message to Warren I decided to make a thread about it to get more opinions.

Once in a blue moon when starting it. it does absolutely nothing. no turning over. like it's dead. Then you shift down to neutral and it'll fire right up. If it hasn't been started for a while. which unfortunately it rarely is. you need to prime it and it'll fire up. that aspect of the process isn't a concern to me because i'm used to it. so disregard that.

I was under the impression that one of the signs of a failing NSS is that sometimes if it won't start in park. it will start in neutral and vise versa...

Warren gave a detailed list of things to check for. but, seems to be certain i need to adjust the shifter linkage. I haven't had time to crawl under it yet. but, plan to soon after i fight off this cold. He told me check the wiring on the NSS to make sure it's not loose and so on. I really just want to get opinions or see if anyone else had similar problems and more importantly if there's anything else I need to know about. He mentioned to keep a spare ballast because they are known to burn out. Honestly never heard that before.

My dad thinks it's funny that I know nothing about older cars. He's the type of guy that can start/drive/fix anything with a motor. He's helping teach me the ins and outs of what HIS car does. but, it's always nice to get feedback from others and learn the whole process.

[Cuda Cody]

When it will not start, does the car have power to the dash and everything is "on'?  Or is there no power?

[Chryco Psycho]

The plug on the NSS often gets very hard making it nearly impossible to push on to the switch properly , you may need to order the new harness , 3 wires , usually under $30 , But if it is starting in Neutral , that plug has to be on enough to work

[RUNCHARGER]

Another thing often overlooked and must be checked: Underneath the car check for the linkage and the nylon bushing the linkage swivels on for wear. If they are worn it will make it a bit hard to adjust the linkage correctly so it goes into park and triggers the switch correctly.

[Strawdawg]

Another thing often overlooked and must be checked: Underneath the car check for the linkage and the nylon bushing the linkage swivels on for wear. If they are worn it will make it a bit hard to adjust the linkage correctly so it goes into park and triggers the switch correctly.

The above is often the problem.  Some times, one can move the shifter slightly and get it to start which means either a small adjustment, or replacement of the bushings followed by an adjustment.

[340Rallye]

When it will not start, does the car have power to the dash and everything is "on'?  Or is there no power?

when it happens the dash lights/headlights/radio all work!!

[340Rallye]

The plug on the NSS often gets very hard making it nearly impossible to push on to the switch properly , you may need to order the new harness , 3 wires , usually under $30 , But if it is starting in Neutral , that plug has to be on enough to work

that's what I figured. if it doesn't start in park it will in neutral and if not in neutral it will start in park. this is somewhat a rarity when it does happen. I'm just trying to figure out why it's happening.

[340Rallye]

Another thing often overlooked and must be checked: Underneath the car check for the linkage and the nylon bushing the linkage swivels on for wear. If they are worn it will make it a bit hard to adjust the linkage correctly so it goes into park and triggers the switch correctly.

maybe this is the same thing Chryco mentioned... would you happen to know if the bushing is blue by chance? or, have a picture. the way he explained it sounds like it would be hard to miss.

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to help me figure this out!!

[RUNCHARGER]

The factory bushings are white. I hope you are using the park brake as well until you get this sorted.

[Chryco Psycho]

I bought some from Mopar a few years later & they were all molded in blue , same bushing though

[340Rallye]

The factory bushings are white. I hope you are using the park brake as well until you get this sorted.

always use the parking brake!!