Neutral Safety Switch problem?

[Scott P]

Had a problem with my 99 Windstar where sometimes it wouldn't start unless it was in D. OK, neutral safety switch. Changed the neutral safety switch, now it won't start at all. When I jump the starter solenoid, it starts, but is there an easy way to tell if it's a bad solenoid or something else? Starter relay? Is it possible to get a bad neutral safety switch out of the box?

[northern piper]

did you make sure you aligned the switch as it should be?

[Scott P]

Originally Posted by northern piper

did you make sure you aligned the switch as it should be?

I can try to readjust it, but I'm pretty sure it's aligned where it should be.

I pretty sure it has to be a problem with the switch since this didn't happen until I replaced it. It would be an unbelievable coincidence if the starter solenoid just happened to go out at this exact time.

[northern piper]

I agree. Somewhere the was a schematic posted of the various resistances between each of the contact pins on the TRS but I can't seem to find it now. If the switch is easily removed I'd pull it out and get a replacement if you can.

[Scott P]

Tore the old one apart to see if I could figure out what connections to jumper to bypass the switch. OK, starter works. Pulled switch out and apparently it was broke inside because the center 'hub' just kept going around and around when I turned it. I cracked it trying to get it off cause it's such a tight fit. Maybe I broke it trying to install it? Off to the parts store to buy another neutral safety switch.

[Scott P]

got the new switch, was ever-so gentile when installing it, still wouldn't start. played around with it a little. took it off, plugged in wire harness, started right up. re-installed it, wouldn't start. took it off again, plugged in wire harness, started right up. after doing this a couple times, finally got it installed and aligned correctly. All seems to be working well.

Thank you for the help. It was definately a pain it the a$$ to get that thing lined up perfect.

[northern piper]

ya, I know they're sensitive. There is an alignment tool apparently (I don't have it) but if you're careful, sounds like you are, the TRS can be put in without it. There is a bit of fiddle factor but once in things should be good. The post on my van needed some emery cloth to clean it up and a bit of wd40 to lube in order to install the TRS. It's an awfully tight fit. Glad you got to the bottom of your problem!