1995 Chevy S-10 Neutral safety switch

PAPAJAY2

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET S-10
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
163,000 MILES

Vehicle has refused to start on a random basis for the last several weeks. A new battery was installed. Dealer was asked to "fix the problem". They installed a new ignition switch and replaced a portion of the wiring harness. $800 in repairs and still same problem. I called them to tow it in and again "fix the problem." They checked the battery, said it was fully charged. They also said it started perfectly every time they tried it.

The last time it refused to start, I accidentally struck the gear selection lever and on my next attempt, it started.

Is there a neutral safety switch somewhere that prevents the starter from functioning if the gear selector is not in Park? If so, where is the switch and could the selector being just a tiny bit out of position prevent a start? Perphaps a new switch/sensor is needed?

If there is no so such switch or sensor, what else might be causing this problem?

I will certainly appreciate your help because the dealer has not been able to diagnose the problem.

1 Reply

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Your vehicle should crank in park or neutral. Next time it refuses to crank in park, try cranking in neutral.

With a column shift, the switch should on lower part of column.

I'm not sure about the forum rules as far as mentioning other sites, like autozone, they have a web site, click on (vehicle repair guides) follow the links. They have step by step procedures for replacing that switch. If you think that switch is the problem.