trouble starting

[bubba4life]

i drive to the store and was inside for about 20 minutes or so and when i went to leave my 92 town car wouldn't start. i would hear a click but it did not turn over. i used a screwdriver to bridge the connection on the starter and nothing. so i turn the key on the off position and tryed starting it several time no dice. i flipped the air bag switch in the trunk off then on and nothing. then i finally i put it in neutral with the brake pressed and it started. so i turned it off and tryed and it started with no problem. so then i put it in park and it started with no problem. i was wondering what could have caused my car to do that. i seems like as soon as a problem stops another one arises. any help would be appreicated.

[Towncar]

Hey Bubba.. don't distress..

My guess would be the neutral (and park) safety switch wasn't fully contacted while this problem was going on.

The 1992 era had a problem with the fasteners coming loose at the bottom of the shift column. If you're a big guy you may not be able to get under there to have a look, but that's the only way. While you're looking up at the assembly, have a partner move the shift lever, loose stuff is easy to spot.

There's some Torx fasteners holding things together down there, they work loose, and you get symptoms (not limited to) like yours. Most folks use some thread locking goop once they find this problem. Several folks have taken pictures of the bolts and loose stuff, I'll look around the internet if you need 'em.

[bubba4life]

so i just have to take the metal plate off under the steering wheel and look to see if there is anthing loose when you move the shifter column. if so i can do that. i fit down if i get into the right angle and back in. and i still have that plate in my trunk some where becasue i didn't put it back on a month ago when i replaced the brake switch. i might even just put the parking brake on and try moving the shifter arm to see if anything is loose.

[bubba4life]

ok so i got down there put the e brake on went through the gear and i see the bare metal flat L shaped that moved with torx screws and it didn't appear to be loose but when i get back on town on sunday i'll see if i can tighten them any.

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by bubba4life

...i see the bare metal flat L shaped that moved with torx screws and it didn't appear to be loose...

If it's not flopping around, it's probably good.
Let's keep our fingers crossed it's not a more serious problem with the steering column.