Engine wont start unless push Automatic tranny shifter lever up (column shifter)

[MaximusAurelius]

This problem I have had for a long time, years. It started out when at times the truck would not start, no crank either. I by chance discovered that if I moved the automatic transmission shifter lever up that it would start. At the time I worked at a Dodge dealership and was told that it was the neutral safety switch, so I replaced it. The problem didn't go away and just got used to pushing the shifter up. Well years later now I want to get this figure out and repaired, it seems like whatever is connected to the shifter and goes down to the transmission telling g it that it can start because it isn't in gear is stretched or misaligned, but that is just an observation. The shifter does have some play in it but this is not an area of the truck I have ever worked on or am very familiar with. Any help or knowledge, or recognition of this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[NCRaineman]

No experience with Dodges from this era, but the older GM trucks used to develop all kinds of slop and play in the steering column over time... bolts work loose, clips stretch out, dirt builds up, etc. Was a matter of disassembling the thing and going through it step by step to tighten everything back up.

I'd say you are on the right track with the transmission safety switch not detecting the truck is actually in park. Of course there may be an issue where the truck isn't actually going all the way into park and you've just gotten lucky so far that it hasn't slipped out of gear and rolled away.

 

[PolarisCobra]

My father had a late 60's Ford. The shifter had to be moved to Reverse for it to start. That was the only way the neutral safety switch would engage. (It should start in Park or in neutral by the way). In his case, there was a bad motor mount, the motor had shifted a bit, causing misalignment of the cable. New motor mount fixed it.

 

[MaximusAurelius]

Thank you both for the info, Ncrainman there is quite a bit of slop in the shifter so I will see if I can tighten things up. Thanks again

 

[GTyankee]

this is 3rd Generation Ram, but it may work for you

HOW TO FIX LOOSE SHIFTER PROBLEM!

INSTAGRAM: @eddieslifeMartin & Lewis channel:https://youtu.be/uPIllY5qOO4LED LIGHTS: https://amzn.to/2yVC8byVLOG CAMERA: https://amzn.to/2MmaAOCEDGE CTS2: ht...

www.youtube.com

 

[Dusty]

This problem I have had for a long time, years. It started out when at times the truck would not start, no crank either. I by chance discovered that if I moved the automatic transmission shifter lever up that it would start. At the time I worked at a Dodge dealership and was told that it was the neutral safety switch, so I replaced it. The problem didn't go away and just got used to pushing the shifter up. Well years later now I want to get this figure out and repaired, it seems like whatever is connected to the shifter and goes down to the transmission telling g it that it can start because it isn't in gear is stretched or misaligned, but that is just an observation. The shifter does have some play in it but this is not an area of the truck I have ever worked on or am very familiar with. Any help or knowledge, or recognition of this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I think you will find the shift cable is binding.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 100870 miles.

 

[Joseph Godvin]

Adjust shift linkage !! or the neutral safety switch if it's outside the trans.

 

[greg mayrhofer]

neutral safety switch could be faulty or link adjustment as joseph Godvin has mentioned

 

[turkeybird56]

Sounds like linkage adjustment, but just Guessnosis. Dodges were known for it, heck they all were. I can remember having to hold the Shift lever up on an Apache Chevy, and a Ford also. I just did not own any Mopar that far back.

The Fords were notorious for bad NS switches. I started my 66 Ford in Neutral, never got the bug worked out of the Park alignment on switch. Kinda like a bad clutch safety switch too, they can be monsters also.

 

[Cdp45]

My 07 Ram does the same thing. There is a cable in the steering colum that may be adjusted or replaced.

 

[JohnJV]

Wikipedia/Google ...
The Brake Transmission Shift Interlock feature is designed to prohibit movement of the shift lever from the PARK position unless the ignition switch is disposed in the RUN position and the brake pedal is depressed. (BTSI)
=================
I can start my RAM in PARK or NEUTRAL However, if I start in PARK I cannot shift out of PARK. *
==================
* electrical issues w/brake

 

[rob47]

This problem I have had for a long time, years. It started out when at times the truck would not start, no crank either. I by chance discovered that if I moved the automatic transmission shifter lever up that it would start. At the time I worked at a Dodge dealership and was told that it was the neutral safety switch, so I replaced it. The problem didn't go away and just got used to pushing the shifter up. Well years later now I want to get this figure out and repaired, it seems like whatever is connected to the shifter and goes down to the transmission telling g it that it can start because it isn't in gear is stretched or misaligned, but that is just an observation. The shifter does have some play in it but this is not an area of the truck I have ever worked on or am very familiar with. Any help or knowledge, or recognition of this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I used to own a 1969 Chrysler Town and Country wagon with the same issue. Troubleshooting fount all of the nylon/plastic bushings in the shift linkage were worn or broken after replacing them the issue went away.

 

[Marshall]

This problem has been around for maybe 70 yrs , since auto's came out and they put a safety switch in.

I am really surprised any one pulling wrenches in a garage would have to post a question on this
Mind you if you had a dial shifter like the 8 speed has in mine , then that is a problem a lot of us , including me would have to ask.
BTW I had bought a used truck at auction and the switch shorted out because guess he could not be bothered to fix it, it was a Ford , so small wonder.
It would start in drive or R .

 

[MaximusAurelius]

Thanks again for all the info but I have a couple post that are different. One says that the cable in the column is bad and the rest just mention the actual shift cable, one to the Trans. Any other advice and I haven't ever adjusted one of these any tips?

 

[Marshall]

The park switch was on the steering column under the dash, on the older stuff, but I have not looked on the last 6 speed as mine had shift lever in the center counsel , but I suppose could be same set up as column switch.
get a light and look for a switch with wires that move with the shift lever, and slop under there.
Maybe on side of transmission?

 

[dianne]

My shifter cable has been diagnosed as frayed by my mechanic and a replacement cannot be found -- slips out of gear into neutral when driving. I always knew someday that my truck could not be fixed but never would have guessed a cable would do it in. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I might find a replacement shifter cable assembly for a 1997 Ram 3500 Cummins diesel? In any case, I will still be driving it until it breaks or I find a mechanic willing to try to refurbish the one I have.

 

[Marshall]

Have your tried wrecking yards?
In Sask. we have SGI ( gov't auto insurance) salvage yards, Most of the salvage places have links to all the other ones , so can find a good used one if any are floating around.
Any after market listings?
I remember yrs ago making a cable for something, as I could not find one, I think it had to come from Germany and I was not going to do that crap. You can buy bulk cable at some of the large truck places ( yrs ago ) or Princess Auto, it you can't find the right one.