Shifter problem causing truck to not start

[jhammel85]

I have a problem with my shifter...in my 87 4x4 2.9l Automatic.

When I go to start the truck sometimes, it doesnt do anything. Basically it acts like it has a dead battery. If I move the shifter from park to reverse and back again, it'll work. Anyone else had this happen?

I think it could be the parking lockout safety switch (neutral switch). I'm not sure if its this or maybe a stretched cable?

 

[RangerFabWorks]

neutral safety is getting stuck.

 

[jhammel85]

I thought so...Is this in the shifter itself? I've seen a few that way...

Thanks!

 

[RangerFabWorks]

I thought so...Is this in the shifter itself? I've seen a few that way...

Thanks!

floor shifter?

 

[jhammel85]

Yup, floor shifter.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

the shifter should have the switch built into it.

but im not 100% positive.

pull the cover off the shifter and see if you see anything.

 

[jhammel85]

Thats what I think I'm going to do tomorrow. I have a few things I want to go over tomorrow. I looked up the switch in the haynes manual....the haynes manual always makes it sound much harder than it is.

Thanks man, I'll post my findings.

 

[jhammel85]

Oops, forgot about posting back what I found out.

I pulled the shifter and all that was there was the shifter mechanism itself. No switches at all. According to the Haynes manual I just picked up, it might be on the trans? I think its getting better since it hasnt been doing it as much but I could be wrong..

 

[#1 U.S.A.]

it the transmission range sensor switch or mlp, check the adjustment and make sure its not all oily if you drove into a lot of water you might have damaged it or the cable might need adjustment, make sure that u can start it in park and neutral...

 

[Nater]

I know on the automatic SN95 'stangs the transmission range selector was located on driver's side of the transmission. Dunno if it would be located in the same spot as your transmission though, but worth a look.

 

[jhammel85]

Thanks for all the replys...

It actually wasn't doing it at all but now its starting again. The truck has always been wierd about its gear indicator. For instance, when its in OD it looks like its just under N. So really anyone who doesnt know better would be driving my truck in D not OD. Killing the gas! So I take it the cable needs to be adjusted. Does anyone know how to go about doing that? I didnt look when I pulled the shifter plastic but is there a screw on the handle for the cable? Would you suspect something else??

Thanks!