Ageing Camry

[Gerry Storm]

I have a 1986 LE which I have owned for over 7 years. It currently has 152K and is in generally fine condition. However, it is plagued by an unpredictable neutral start switch problem. The shift mechanism (auto) seems to have too much play as well. I read in the manual that alignment of the shaft is critical. Sometimes when it won't fire I can lift the hood and jiggle the various wires near the starter and apparently cause the switch to engage...A new switch costs around $175 and I will likely wind up buying one soon but I still wonder if the problem could be in the loose shift assembly. Would appreciate any input from others with knowledge of this problem and potential solutions. Thanks.

[Doctor J]

Some times taking the switch apart and cleaning contacts inside could help.

[Mike Gerber]

Are you sure it's the neutral start switch and not the common starter motor solenoid contacts problem? Do a search on this site for "starter contacts", if you are not familiar with it. Moving things in the vicinity of the starter can possibly cause enough vibration to the starter itself, jarring the contacts just enough and causing them to make beter contact and work again. Just a thought.

Mike