weirdscience

Been awhile since I've posted, glad to be back. My 84 occasionally will not start in park but fires up in neutral. Anyone seen this before.

ErnestSw

There's a lockout somewhere in the shifter to prevent you from starting in gear that probably needs adjustment. I'll bet that if you wiggle the shufter when it happens you'll be able to start.

juvius

yah.... you may have to adjust or replace the nuetral safety switch. i had to do it in my 81 because i had to slam it up hard for it to catch and start.... it's a fairly easy process to do.. and that's definately where i would start. pm me if you need any more help...

good luck

juvius

here's the intruction for checking the switch:

weirdscience

Thanks, exactally what I needed. This will be my weekend project..

juvius

i used a cut out piece of coat hanger for #4 (locating pin) on the diagram. it worked out pretty well.

6mil928

Steve I may have the same problem mine won't start in any gear. Does your chart apply to a 81 MY also? thanks, Jason

Jim bailey - 928 International

basically the same , the safety switch tells the starter relay that it is OK to crank the starter motor. Only automatics ahve a starter relay.

linderpat

Old thread I know, but a friend's car just had this issue, and I know nothing about it. What does the nuetral safety switch do, and where is it located? Also, how is it adjusted or replaced? Easy job?

My understanding is that the car can be started in nuetral, just not park, if this switch is bad or out of adjustment. I never would have guessed this as a "no start" issue.

Mrmerlin

while holding the key in the crank position move the shifter through its range of motion and see if the starter engages.
WARNING. hold the foot on the brake so if the car starts in gear it wont go through the garage door

linderpat

That's certainly the way to diagnose it, but what does the nuetral safety switch do - what's its purpose, and where is it located? Also, how is it adjusted or replaced? Easy job?

John Speake

Inhibits the starter relay, except when in P or N as Wally said.
Stops you driving your car into somethings when you turn the key to start the engine
On the side of the gearbox (driver's side for US cars.)
Adjustment process is in the WSM

G Man

I have the same issue with my 84'. I have just been to cheap to replace the switch. Does anyone know the Merc part # for this item. Could probably be had for less $ than pruchasing from Porsche.