Legacy Won’t Start - Automatic Transmission – Bad Switch?

 

 

I have a ’90 Legacy AWD Wagon that will not start. I am pretty sure that it is a problem with the switch (not sure the name) that prevents the car from starting unless it is in PARK. How do I get at this thing to replace it? Thanks.

Try putting in neutral. If its the neutral safety switch it should start in neutral.

Define "won't start"

 

DOes it crank? If it doesnt then Neutral will work and you will need an inhibitor (neutral saftey ) switch. If it does crank, check for spark.

ALso we need to know how many miles on this car.

 

 

nipper

nipper:

 

Car has power - windows work, antenea, etc.... Car will not crank. Turn the ignition key all the way clockwise and lights, radio, etc go off as if to start but nothing happens - starter does not engage.... Car has 148k miles on the odometer.

 

screwbaru2: Car will not start in neutral either.

 

The car was started earlier that day.

 

Thanks for the assistance with troubleshooting this!

 

 

<<Define "won't start". Does it crank? If it doesnt then Neutral will work and you will need an inhibitor (neutral saftey ) switch. If it does crank, check for spark. ALso we need to know how many miles on this car.>>

That is one of three things. Either the inhibitor switch is bad, the starter and/or starter contacts are bad, or the battery cables and connections need cleaning. Start with the last one. Very slight chance its the ignition switch but I doubt it.

 

Do you have an alarm on this car?

 

You can disconnect the smalle lead at the starter and check that one with a meter or a test light to see if it is getting power when the key is turned. If not, its the inhibitor switch. ANother thing to try. With your foot on the brake, turn the key to crank. Hold it there while you slowly move the gear selector from park to drive. See if there is someplace the starter will kick. Set the parking brake for this, as the car may start.

 

nipper

Likely you're ignition switch is worn.

 

Test for voltage at the starter signal wire when the key is turned.

 

If you get voltage, It's a good sign that you're Park/neutral switch is working, but the circuit still may not be able to supply enough current.

 

Next test, use a section of wire to *jump* power to the solenoid terminal(small tab) fromt eh battery. If the starter spins/engine cranks, then the problem is definately in the switch circuit.

 

If that is the case, you need to wire up the car with a relay and/or pushbutton for starting.

 

Search "pushbutton relay starter"

<<Test for voltage at the starter signal... Next test, use a section of wire to *jump* power to the solenoid.... >> Great feedback - all. I'll try it. Thanks.