1986 V6 SE Automatic - Neutral Safety Switch Bypass (Page 1/3)
ArthurPeale SEP 20, 10:15 AM
Car's stuck at the gas station - I'm pretty sure it's the neutral safety switch (yes, it's an automatic) - which two wires do you jump to bypass?
theogre SEP 20, 11:55 AM
First try moving the shift level to N, then a bit to D or R.
NS will allow to start in N but iffy levers/cables may need to play w/ the level to find N on the trans and NS switch.

two large wires there or just jump starter solenoid.

Note that starter solenoid draws 20-30 amps.
Thin jumpers can/will fry instantly.

Very likely is not NS switch but Ignition lock, switch or other problem on the steering column.
Iffy parts there can push/pull the switch enough to see Bulb Test activate but not far enough to start the car.
See my Cave, Steering

If it really is problems w/ NS Switch first check adjustment.
See my Cave, Neutral Safety Switch
NSS has several functions and maybe 1 or more circuits are dead.
ECM get input from it too and may trip "codes" if not working.
Forrest SEP 20, 12:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

First try moving the shift level to N, then a bit to D or R.
NS will allow to start in N but iffy levers/cables may need to play w/ the level to find N on the trans and NS switch.

two large wires there or just jump starter solenoid.

Note that starter solenoid draws 20-30 amps.
Thin jumpers can/will fry instantly.

Very likely is not NS switch but Ignition lock, switch or other problem on the steering column.
Iffy parts there can push/pull the switch enough to see Bulb Test activate but not far enough to start the car.
See my Cave, Steering

If it really is problems w/ NS Switch first check adjustment.
See my Cave, Neutral Safety Switch
NSS has several functions and maybe 1 or more circuits are dead.
ECM get input from it too and may trip "codes" if not working.



Your site is offline m8. Might wanna take a look.
ArthurPeale SEP 20, 12:31 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

First try moving the shift level to N, then a bit to D or R.
NS will allow to start in N but iffy levers/cables may need to play w/ the level to find N on the trans and NS switch.

two large wires there or just jump starter solenoid.

Note that starter solenoid draws 20-30 amps.
Thin jumpers can/will fry instantly.

Very likely is not NS switch but Ignition lock, switch or other problem on the steering column.
Iffy parts there can push/pull the switch enough to see Bulb Test activate but not far enough to start the car.
See my Cave, Steering

If it really is problems w/ NS Switch first check adjustment.
See my Cave, Neutral Safety Switch
NSS has several functions and maybe 1 or more circuits are dead.
ECM get input from it too and may trip "codes" if not working.



He's right, it's offline.

I was going to jumper the starter solenoid, except my blind ass can't SEE IT. Which is weird, it's not small. I've been looking for 45 minutes before giving up and driving back to the house.

Sigh. I'll have to try again later, when I'm off work. I'm just praying they don't tow me.
ArthurPeale SEP 20, 12:33 PM
I also tried the shifter in a myriad of positions to try and just get her started to get her home....no dice.

Definitely don't want to try working on the column in the parking lot if I can help it.
olejoedad SEP 20, 12:40 PM
NSS wires for start signal are yellow and purple.

Yellow wire is 12v into NSS, Purple is to solenoid.

Both sides are heavy gage.
ArthurPeale SEP 20, 12:50 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

NSS wires for start signal are yellow and purple.

Yellow wire is 12v into NSS, Purple is to solenoid.

Both sides are heavy gage.



Weirdly, on mine, it looks like yellow and red. They're the two very heavy gauge wires on the NSS. Maybe the purple faded? IDK.
theogre SEP 20, 01:25 PM
If you didn't say something to the owner etc then could be towed fast. More so if blocking anything.

Yes, Is only 2 big wires there...

take a volt meter or test light. black probe the NSS wires and start the car. May need a big needle to reach the "pin." Ground black probe.
Meter doesn't read or light is off on each wire then not NSS problem.
(or pierce the wire w/ smaller needle to get at copper. then rub grease/oil on the tiny hole to keep out water.)

Site is up here. Archive.org and/or Shorturl is rarely down but sometime either/both is slow and time out.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 09-20-2021).]

ArthurPeale SEP 20, 01:40 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

take a volt meter or test light. black probe the NSS wires and start the car. May need a big needle to reach the "pin." Ground black probe.
Meter doesn't read or light is off on each wire then not NSS problem.
(or pierce the wire w/ smaller needle to get at copper. then rub grease/oil on the tiny hole to keep out water.)




I'm not sure what you mean by "black probe the nss". Do you mean, using a multimeter, verify voltage at the NSS at each wire, while cranking?
ArthurPeale SEP 20, 03:28 PM
I had someone suggest to me the ICM if the tach isn't moving.

Since it's not cranking at all, this doesn't apply, is that accurate?