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So I've had this problem for a while now and I'm ready to set it on fire. Quite a while ago my car stopped starting with the key every now and then. Now it's turned into it rarely starts when you turn the key. Starter is good, replaced key cylinder and ignition switch. Finally had to just run a push button start switch. I would like to fix this problem so it will just start with the key. Anyone have any ideas? It's a 1990 4cyl btw.
Last edited by WannaBButch; 04-17-2008 at 08:20 PM.
have you tried checking the auto transmission gear selector lock out switch that is hidden under the gear selector console?
It's the switch that prevents the car from starting if in gear (D, R, etc) and only allows it to start in Park or Neutral?
I had similar trouble to you, but took off the center console....and it's a switch near the front (near gear selector when in Park position) that needs to be lubricated lightly with some silicone or similar spray...it may be binding.
Do you have a picture of this switch by any chance? I've got it all torn apart (may not get it back together though) and everything seems to be moving freely.
I tend to favor the ignition switch but you replaced that. So how about a broken wire to the ignition switch?
Where did you splice in the button switch? If you went directly to the starter it won't give you any clues. However, if you spliced in by the ignition switch you know that the problem is between the ignition switch and the splice.
Luck,
Kep
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Often, it's the loose screw between the steering wheel and the driver's seat that needs to be fixed first!
Okay so I'm back in from the Oklahoma weather... 80F this morning and 50F now.
I found the switch you were thinking of... I think. It works fine. I vacuumed, cleaned and lubed everything in the shifter as well as removed the cough drop that was stuck between the seat and the console when I bought it five years ago and could never remove. Still having the same problem. On a side note... no reverse lights and I noticed that the gear indicator below the dash isn't lighting up. I know that the Neutral Safety Switch is probably that culprit but would that cause it to not start with the key as well?
Absolutely.....should have said that before....the neutral safety switch if misaligned, will definitely prevent it from starting....I would recommend taking it off, opening it up, cleaning up the contacts and putting it back aligning the marks on it with the gear shift selector.
I believe autozone.com has a good diagram on their website on how to install and position it correctly. check out website below:
You people on this message board are so freaking wonderful I could kiss all of you. So I ripped off the NSS and cleaned it up and slapped it back on and everything is fixed! I have reverse lights, dash indicators, and it starts with the key now!!!!! I wasn't sure of what I was doing but I'm damn proud. Not bad for a 24 year old female college student. I probably do know more about cars than some guys. THANKS SOOO MUCH! I took lots of pics and will post another thread to help out those that will be tacking the Neutral Start Switch in the future.
^^ do post up some pics for auto transmission gear selector lock out switch and NSS. i really want to do this myself too instead of taking it to the shop all the time
Some people say if you take a screwdriver and spread the threads apart where they gap a little that it's easier. It took me ten minutes or so to work my off. It seems like it's never gonna come off and then all of a sudden it pops and moves about a half inch. After that it just pulled right off.
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Short Between ignition switch and starter?
Linear Mode
