Why does my Dodge van starts only in Neutral?

[GrayWhale]

Does anybody know why I can only start my van in neutral only? In park, it won't even crank. All the lights on, but it doesn't even click. Is this bad?

It rides good too. No slipping during shifts. 2000 Dodge B1500 V8 Conversion van with 150k miles.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Sounds like the safety switch that disallows starting while in gear. I don't think it will hurt to use the neutral position for starting.
I'd say that's where to start looking tho.

There's better mechanics here than me, I'm sure.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

There's a part called a neutral safety switch. It's only closed in park and neutral. It's wired in series with the starter switch, so both have to be closed to complete the circuit.

On some models it's screwed into the transmission housing. On some models it's on the steering column. You'd have to check a Haynes or Chilton's manual for your year for details.

Vehicles are always started in park, so the ability to start it in neutral is kind of a back up for when the park position wears out and fails. If the neutral goes too, you will be dead on the side of the road. So I would get a new switch installed as soon as I could afford it.

Regards
John

 

[Zil]

Put it in park. push, wiggle, jog the shift handle while you turn the key.

Really. you can probably adjust the switch. Mine was on the steering column about half way down, connected to the switch with a small rod.

 

[Donedirtcheap]

I.m not up on the model years anymore but you may be able to adjust the linkage. Could be worn linkage bushings. On level ground with the engine OFF and the wheels chocked, have someone sit in the drivers seat with the brake applied. Crawl underneath and observe the linkage movement as they shift the lever through its range. Have them do it gently and slowly while watching for slop. It may not be moving through its entire range of travel.

 

[signman]

I'm in agreement with Zil, the switch may have loosened or gone out of adjustment with wear. You should fix soon as it could leave you stranded, unable to start your van.

A Chilton manual will explain how to adjust it. Duane

 

[user 423]

If the neutral switch was bad it wouldn't start in neutral either...

 

[Patrick46]

try this...

lift UP on the shift lever while turning the key. (this used to work with mine)

but the folks on here are right about this...it's the saftey switch not making proper contact. You might be able to adjust it a bit, but they're not terribly expensive to fix if you buy the parts and do it yourself.

 

[Lucky mike]

linkage could be out of adjustment when your in park or some linkage have a nylon type locking tab.(connects shifting linkage at transmission Drivers side) this tab could have to much play in it.......you need to check it because if it is not completely engaging you vehicle could slip out of park and that could make for a really bad day!!!

 

[Darth_Muerte]

Good advice from all above. Your actual switch is on the transmission on the drivers side above the pan and towards the rear of the pan. As stated above, it is most likely not bad. Most likely the linkage does need adjustment. Another possibility, IF you have tilt steering, is a pinched wire.

 

[GrayWhale]

Thanks all for your help. I'm going to pick up a Haynes manual and tackle this. Kind of cold but it looks like I will have to.

 

[LeeRevell]

Back in the late 70's I had a little 1968 AMC AMX two-seater with this 'problem' - it would only start if the shifter (Chrysler 727 tranny) were cycled back to first then up to Nuetral. Anything else it would not start. I considered it a unique 'anti-theft' system! I liked it that way. Kept my buddies from borrowing my car - they thought it had a bad starter...... ;-)