Author Topic: Neutral starting question  (Read 3645 times)

Offline snax1969

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Neutral starting question
« on: July 17, 2013, 03:40:38 PM »
Hi folks.  First time posting here.  Recently bought a '76 truck.  The starter will only engage when the truck is in park.  I have stalled a few times and tried to start her up in neutral but turning the key has no effect.  I have to pull over and put it in park and then turn the key.

Is this a bad neutral safety switch or is it possible the NSS just isnt even hooked up?

any help would be appreciated.

Big E

Offline zieg85

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Re: Neutral starting question
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2013, 05:12:07 PM »
It could be bad, most likely it is however it may be slightly out of adjustment.  Might crank between R and neutral or drive and neutral
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline Jason S

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Re: Neutral starting question
« Reply #2 on: July 17, 2013, 08:14:19 PM »
It could be bad, most likely it is however it may be slightly out of adjustment.  Might crank between R and neutral or drive and neutral

Ditto. I'd say the NSS is out of adjustment.
1973 GMC K2500, Super Custom, Camper Special, 350, TH350, NP203, 4.10's
1974 Chevrolet K10, Custom Deluxe, 350, SM465, NP203, 3.73's

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Offline snax1969

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Re: Neutral starting question
« Reply #3 on: July 17, 2013, 10:27:28 PM »
Thanks, I'll try to play around with that.  Is it easy to adjust?

Online VileZambonie

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Re: Neutral starting question
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2013, 05:21:04 PM »
Before you adjust anything check your shift linkage and ensure everything is tight.
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Offline hondarider188

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Re: Neutral starting question
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2013, 05:37:55 PM »
I have the same issue on my truck so would anyone mind elaborating on what the NSS is, where and how to adjust it. thanks
1983 K10 silverado

Online VileZambonie

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Re: Neutral starting question
« Reply #6 on: July 27, 2013, 03:02:31 PM »
The Park Neutral switch on automatic columns ensures no signal voltage makes it to the starter solenoid unless the shifter in in P or N. Do not adjust it if there is slop in your shift linkage. Fix the sloppy shift linkage first. If everything is good the switch is located near the base of the column.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline 75gmck25

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Re: Neutral starting question
« Reply #7 on: December 25, 2013, 07:52:16 AM »
I had similar problems with my '75  because the shifter linkage went out of adjustment as the cab bushings worn out and the cab settled lower.  However, when I replaced the worn rubber cab supports I fixed this problem (raising the cab brought the linkage back into alignment). 

New cab bushings also quieted the truck down considerably because my transmission tunnel was no longer sitting on top of my transfer case and transmitting noise.  The first time I started it up after replacing the cab bushings I though there was a problem with the engine because the cab was so much quieter.

Bruce