1986 Camry Starting Problem

[toored]

About once a week the car's engine fails to crank and I have to shake the transmission shifter handle (while holding the ignition switch in the crank position) in order to get the starter to engage. (Automatic Transmission.) I assume that the neutral safety switch is going bad.

Could someone help me with the location of the switch and whether or not it's easy to replace. And is the switch available after-market or a dealer-only item?

Thanks a million for any help!

[Doctor J]

It is on the front side of the tranny facing the radiator, looks like sector made of aluminum.
make sure it is not loose.

[toored]

Doctor J,

Just a note to thank you for your help with this issue.

FYI: I removed the neutral safety switch and disassembled it. The switch contacts and sliders were covered with grease-like dried gunk which prevented the sliding contacts from proper contact with the wiper contacts. I cleaned everything and reassembled it. It now works great. It even starts in Neutral, which it hasn't done in 10 years.

A note of caution for anyone else attempting this job: the sliding contacts have very small springs behind them that can go flying when the switch is pulled apart.

Thanks again!!