Keep trying to start and moving the gear shift around in park?

Tiny
JAMES916
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
Gear shift is on the floor, not stearing column mounted. All lights will work. I keep trying to start and moving the gear shift around in park. So far, after working with it for several minutes, its always started and and shifted out of park within about 5 minutes.

Thank you
Friday, February 19th, 2010 AT 9:24 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you might have a faulty neutral safety switch.
When the neutral safety switch gets worn over time, it will not connect properly and you will have to move the shift lever back and forth to get connection.
Ultimately it will stop working all together.

The neutral safety switch is located on the side of the transmission.

You might find this article helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-neutral-safety-switch-works

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 3:20 PM

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