740 1990 Neutral Safety Switch

GSmith · Post by **GSmith** » 27 Apr 2009, 22:10

Hey Everyone,

I did this repair on the fly today as I've got a $0 repair budget this week.

My 740 wouldn't start yesterday (all the idiot lights come on, something would click in the dashboard, but there were no sounds from the starter at all). My friends thought it might be the battery terminals, but my brain said "Neutral Safety Switch".

After moving the shifter (automatic) back and forth through the selector a few times, the car started. I made two stops on the way home, got home, unloaded groceries and went to move the car and no start again. I moved it to Neutral and back to Park and it started.

Today I cleaned the switch with some electrical connector cleaner, which made the car start in Neutral, but not in Park.

Upon closer examination, I realized that my shift lever is loose (the linkage perhaps???) and it pushes past the Park mark on the neutral safety switch. I think the switch is okay, just my shifter isn't!

So, I made a stopper out of 16-gauge automotive wire and some electrical tape and put it in place to stop the shift indicator from going past the Park marking on the switch.

So far, 20 starts, no problems. I'll take anyone's advice on the the loose shifter. But I wanted to share this in case anyone is ever in jam and needs a quick fix for the Neutral Safety Switch.

G

Tiki · Post by **Tiki** » 28 Apr 2009, 02:03

Hi G,
check the grommet on the shift lever on the transmission. It can get soaked in oil or just fall apart from old age. Once it's gone there is about 10mm slack in the linkage. Usually tou can feel this in the shifter.
Don't know what the cost but shouldn't be much. They are pretty easy to change.

GSmith · Post by **GSmith** » 28 Apr 2009, 05:13

Tiki,

Where is the grommet? When I look down where the shifter goes into the tunnel, all I see is a ton dirt and grease. Maybe my grommet is gone?

G

Tiki · Post by **Tiki** » 28 Apr 2009, 08:06

On the side of the transmission is a lever. Drivers side just before the bell housing. there is a rod attached to the lever that goes to the underside of the console. The other end of that rod is attached to the bottom of the lever that you move inside the car. Where the rod attaches to the lever on the transmission is a small rubber grommet, maybe 14 mm across. All you do is remove the clip on the rod. slide the end out. Pop in a new grommet and reassemble.

hope that helps.

GSmith · Post by **GSmith** » 28 Apr 2009, 13:17

Ah, well, when I get the time to slide under there, I most certainly will check that out. Thanks!