Aging 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 be getting looser 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.

[marc780]

Id get a switch at the junkyard! For a fraction of new. Same goes for the shifter mechanism, first you have to figure out how to remove it so you can do it fast at the (pick a part) junkyard, probably just rip out the console or crawl under and unbolt it.