br()bert

I went out to my car got in and turned the key. The car acted like i had a kill switch and forgot to turn it off. No click nothing, I pushed up on the shifter and the car started. It did this twice. Whats up with this? I've noticed my shifter is sloppy, ie when i put it in reverse if i move the shifter back and forward the reverse lights go on and off but the car is still in rev.
Whats up ? anyone know?

HeavyBreathinRS

Both problems are related to the same thing.
Under your console, there is a connector block attached to the shifter framework. The connector block contains (amongst other things) the neutral safety switch (your starting problem) and the reverse switch ( your reversing lights).

I would bet the connector block has come loose, or the shifter contact plate has come loose. Either of these would shift the relative alignment...that's why you have to push the shifter to engage the neutral safety switch.

TechSmurf

Little things like this make it very difficult to steal your car, but it's stuff you need to know in case it gets so out-of-whack that you can't start it at all. Also, I'm very fond of being able to flash the reverse lights on my V8 to get people's attention by moving the shifter back and forth without leaving gear.

br()bert

thanks for the fast reply, how do i fix it?

TechSmurf

IIRC, the switch block can be loosened and adjusted..

br()bert

thanx , i give it a try in the morning

HeavyBreathinRS

Remove the torx screws that hold your shifter plate to get access. You might find it easier if your also remove the shifter **** (in the front of the black handle you'll feel a groove...there's a small clip in there that you need to pull out [ie towards the dash panel]).
Once the shifter plate is out of the way, you'll see the connector/switch block mounted to the shifter framework...just figure out if its the plastic connector block that has come loose, or the contact plate on your shifter handle...tighten accordingly.

TechSmurf

Erm.. '86-earlier cars aren't set up like your '90.. Veritable PITA to remove/replace the shifter ****.. the camaro ball ***** use a tiny C-clip inside the shifter ball under the ****.. birds are probably similar

br()bert

Thanks for all the help guys .My shifter comes off pretty easy. I use one of those pointy electric probes to pull the clip out of the front of the shifter handle.
I would try to adjust the stuff now but its too dark outside and its kinda cold so ill try it in the morning.
You shoulda seen my face when i tried to start the car and nothing happend. $#&*$#$*# i was mad as hell.

kretos

i dunno i'd almost leave it alone, since you know what the problem is.

perfect kill switch

and since you know what it is if it ever gets to loose you can fix it at a later date

Dale

iTrader: (12)

I've got the backup light problem, but not the start problem.

My start problem is the steering wheel gets bumped with me getting in/out the car, and locks the wheel. So you gotta giggle the wheel while turning the key.

Every car has its own personality, esp after 200k and 13 years

TomP

The GM Service Manual has the correct procedure for adjusting the "park/neutral" switch on the shifter. It involves doing something with an alignment hole.

br()bert

thanks for the help guys, I took the shifter **** off today and opened the consol today and i couldnt get it adjusted so i put it back together. Im gonna look through the manual i got to see if i can figure out how to do it. I tried to remember what you guys said but once i got the consol apart i was like , also one thing i didnt like when i got the consol apart is it appears my car didnt come with power windows. Someone ran a 10 ga constant hot and spliced it into the window switches. Now wonder why my windows go down with the car off.
I think im going to buy a relay and wire it up correct with a inline fuse etc.