87 taurus dies when taken out of park

[Rynobub]

After i start the car up and put it into reverse it'll creep backwards and stalls out...after that it won't turn over at all...if i wait a day usually it'll start up again but the last time i tried it won't start up all...the engine lights come on on the dash and there's no clicking noise like its trying to start.

[gtx2000]

If it wont crank there is a starter solnoid on the drivers fender well behind the battery If you follow the positve post it will lead to this make sure it is clicking if not it is probally bad. If you have a test light handy test the Lt/blue wire for 12v when cranking if it is then you have a bad starter relay. If not then you have to check the netural safty switch. This is on top of the tranny right below the corner of the air box the plug will be a 4 pin connector on a swivel switch or gear selector. The wire there you wan to test is the white pink it should have 12v when cranking if it does then you have a bad netural safty switch. if this is the case you may also notice your reverse lamps not working also. Let us know what you find.

[Rynobub]

tested the neutral safety switch with a continuity tester while cranking the engine like you said and the light on it flashed and it hasn't worked since. I also bought a multimeter but haven't tried to test the NSS because i don't want to wreck that the same way. It stilll won't start and because i don't know exactly how to diagnose the problem i'm not going to do anything else until i do.

[Dan_in_WA]

Without trying to start the engine, just turn the ignition key to the "ON" position so that the dash lights come on. Put the car in Reverse (Engine NOT running!) and go back and see if the clear backup lights come on.

If they aren't on, you have either a mis-adjusted - or bad - NSS on the trans, or both light bulbs could be brunt out.

Do you have the manual that tells you how to set up the NSS?