My neutral safety switch is going out and will start in neutral but is getting progressively worse and I have to move the shifter up and down and hold the key turned to get it started. I have tried wrenches and a crows foot to try and replace the darn sensor but have had no luck. Have an if you had experience of replacing these sensors?

 

What transmission are you talking about, A-518?

It is on the transmission and is also the back up light switch, it will simply unscrew.

Jim

 

Yes a518 I know it unscrews just can't get a wrench or socket on it

 

If a regular socket will ot fit, then You might need a thin wall socket for that one....not sure.

Your problem could be in your shifter linkage adjustment as well.

 

What is the correct way to adjust the linkage?

 

Never actually done an 1st Gen auto...but would think the same principles apply regardless.

On all the older mopars I've done this to I've removed all the linkage from the vehicle, cleaned and lubed all parts so that I'm certain that they all work and function properly. Once re-installed make sure the tranny is in park, and the column shift lever is in park as well. I then adjust the linkage so it's tight from the column to the tranny. Helps to have someone go through the gears on the column, as you lay under the vehicle, so you can verify that the tranny selector is going into each of the gears.

Now try starting it in park, and again in neutral...if everything works properly you can now be sure at least your linkage and shifter as set correctly. If it stops working after this then there is a good chance your switch, or wiring, is to blame.

 

I just checked on the old A-727 neutral/ backup light switch that I had replaced, it takes a 1" 6 point socket I do not remember using anything special to remove it, just unscrew it and screw the new one back in, maybe a deep socket and a short handle because it sits in the trasmission cockeyed

BTW there will be a small amount of ATF that will leak out.

I bought my replacement from OReillys

I just make sure the shift detents corespond between the selector and the transmission and shift smoothly.

Jim

 

I have tried a 1" socket, maybe I need to get a thin walled one. To adjust it wouldn't it be easiest to put it in park then loosen the lock screw and make sure linkage is pushed all the way back on the transmission and tighten it back up

 

AutoCraft 1" & 1-1/16" Oil Sender Unit Socket AC653: Advance Auto Parts This one may work...Mark

 

When I adjusted mine on both rigs it took quite a bit of finagling both ways on the arm behind the wheel well of the left front (after you loosen the lock screw(1/2" I think) you'll need someone else to sit in the cab and verify the indicator corresponds to the actual indent). I'd get it lined up to be spot on in "D" "2", and "1" but then it wouldn't quite notch into "P", etc. You'll get it eventually

 

Okay thanks for the advice I'll adjust it before replacing the sensor

 

Yes this is how you adjust it. If the pointer doesn't line up afterwards you bend the arm that the little cable is attached to on the column shift collar.

Many times the linkage cross shaft bushing are worn and sloppy or the lever is loose on the trans.

 

FYI,

I replaced mine twice for leakage, then purchased a mopar part. Leak solved.

M

 

Yeah it wouldn't surprise me if the sensor doesn't seal since I got an oriley one. I adjusted the linkage and nothing changed. I found the thinnest 1" socket I own and it still doesn't work. You guys sure there isn't a special socket?

 

Did you see the one I linked to above?...Mark