Ignition won't work at the key and reverse lights are on in park

[fireguyty]

Hi folks, I put this in transmission, but it probably goes better here,

I have a 1972 Challenger base model. I rewired the entire care with an American Auto Wire kit. Everything worked great and I drove it for about a year.

Then I pulled the original 318 and a904 trans. I had the car and engine bay painted and then put a rebuilt 360 back in it with the same a904 trans. I have hooked everything back up but now the car will not start at the key (it will fire if I jump the start solenoid). Also, the reverse lights are on in park.

I have played with the shift linkage, but that has not fixed my problems. I have not replaced the neutral safety switch because it worked prior and the reading I have done makes me believe that getting the correct replacement could be problematic. Any help will be VERY appreciated.

Ty

 

[Deathproofcuda]

I'd go back to the shift linkage. Something is slightly off and is engaging the NSS so that car thinks it is in reverse.

 

[fireguyty]

I'd go back to the shift linkage. Something is slightly off and is engaging the NSS so that car thinks it is in reverse.

So, I was wrong. They are on all the time in every gear. I am thinking NSS is the culprit. What do you think?

THANK YOU!

 

[Deathproofcuda]

So, I was wrong. They are on all the time in every gear. I am thinking NSS is the culprit. What do you think?

THANK YOU!

If you have a multimeter, check for changes in continuity between the pins when you move the shifter between gears. If nothing changes, then yes, the switch may be shot.

 

[Challenger RTA]

When you pull the plug off the NSS the light go out? Switch might be hanging up. Below are factory wiring if it helps. Turn ign sw to on. check if you have power to the ballast blue wire. If so connect test light to yellow wire on starter relay. turn sw to start if it lights. The ign sw is working. I would think the problem is the wires the NSS sw or the sw. Or the wring of the sw reversed.

 

[fireguyty]

If you have a multimeter, check for changes in continuity between the pins when you move the shifter between gears. If nothing changes, then yes, the switch may be shot.

Excellent! I am a fireman and at work for 48 hours, but this gives me ammo. I'll let you know when I check it. Thanks again!

 

[fireguyty]

When you pull the plug off the NSS the light go out? Switch might be hanging up. Below are factory wiring if it helps. Turn ign sw to on. check if you have power to the ballast blue wire. If so connect test light to yellow wire on starter relay. turn sw to start if it lights. The ign sw is working. I would think the problem is the wires the NSS sw or the sw. Or the wring of the sw reversed. View attachment 136144View attachment 136145View attachment 136143

You are a super stud! As I told Death, I am a firefighter. As soon as I get off shift, I'll do everything you suggested and follow up with you. Really appreciate you both!

 

[fireguyty]

Ok, I finally got back to the car. I replaced the NSS and it fixed the reverse light problem, but the ignition still won't fire. I traced the problem back to the NSS using a test light. The test light will light up when the shifter is in between N and R but in no other position. I pulled the pan. There is a "blade" with a notch that the NSS rides on. The notch is for reverse. the blade has a plastic cover on it except for where park and neutral are. It does appear that the switch is hitting the blade where it is exposed. I'm going to test it but my test light fell apart. Headed to get a new one. Sure seems like this thing should be working, but it damn sure isn't.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Check the yellow #4 on relay wire when key is in start position. It should be hot when in start position.

Then if you have power to the relay check the ground #4 on the relay. If it is not grounded your back to the NSS. A short ground the #2 ground terminal on to ground and it turn over. Pull the coil wire. BE ADVISED IF IN GEAR IT WILL START!!!! BE READY!!