shifter position makes no difference on a stock assembly. Has bubba paid a visit maybe?
having to start car in reverse
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 82
Likes: 3
having to start car in reverse
Is there anything I can do to my 73 that will enable me to start the engine without the car having to be in reverse? My car can be a little cold blooded when starting, and it can be a bit problematic when parked on a hill, unless I use the parking brake. I would love to be able to just start it while it is in neutral like my husband's 65. Anyone know how to do this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
I take that you have an automatic transmission. Inside the console attached to your shifter should be a neutral start switch. It should have slots on its frame that allows it to be adjusted. You should be able to adjust it so that your car can be started in either Park or Neutral.
I haven't had a console removed in years. But I do remember that you have to remove the center storage box behind your seat in order to gain access to a large bolt that secures the rear section of your console in place.
Jim
I haven't had a console removed in years. But I do remember that you have to remove the center storage box behind your seat in order to gain access to a large bolt that secures the rear section of your console in place.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
Do you have to put it into reverse to remove the key? GM put anti-theft steering column interlock on all 69 and later Vettes. If that is your problem, you can remove the linkage from the firewall side of the column to the reverse lever of the transmission but, then you must secure the linkage from the steering column to the lockout linkage with a piece of coat hanger so it wont accidentally slip on you and try to lock the steering while your driving down the road. You can see how it works when you remove the linkage, one position, steering is free and key can be removed, other position key wont come out and steering may lock.
Drifting
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 1
From: Boca Raton FL
That is the way it is suppose to be with a manual - I believe it is called a reverse lockout so you have to start the car and remove the key while in reverse. It is a quick fix if you want to remove that I believe but don't know how to do it myself. Sure someone will post to help you out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 93
From: Bellmore NY
Your car should start in any gear, as long as you have the clutch pedal depressed. As others have mentioned, there is a reverse lockout that connects the shifter, transmission, and steering column lock together. Its cable operated and can be disabled in many different ways....mine is no longer in the car, and I like it that way
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Good advice.
Do you have to put it into reverse to remove the key? GM put anti-theft steering column interlock on all 69 and later Vettes. If that is your problem, you can remove the linkage from the firewall side of the column to the reverse lever of the transmission but, then you must secure the linkage from the steering column to the lockout linkage with a piece of coat hanger so it wont accidentally slip on you and try to lock the steering while your driving down the road. You can see how it works when you remove the linkage, one position, steering is free and key can be removed, other position key wont come out and steering may lock.
Solid LT1 gave good advice, as he made this modification to a '74 vert that I bought last year and drove around to his home. I didn't want the guys at the shipping depot to stuff something up while fitting my car into a container prior to its trip to Australia. Whether or not I reconnect it is another story.
What he didn't mention is that you should also have a switch connected to the clutch pedal that will prevent the starter operating until the pedal is depressed. Basically the two systems combine to prevent a joy rider from stealing your car after he's broken into it.
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
OK Vanessa, since you can't start an automatic car in reverse I'm assuming you have a stick. There are two things, the steering column lock and the clutch interlock switch. The steering column lock prevents the key from being removed whenn running and reverse locked until the key is turned, this is good. The clutch interlock is a switch that requires the clutch to be depressed to complete the starter circuit. To do what you want, bypass the clutch interlock switch with high current splices. Then all you have to do is turn the ignition lock to the first position (which releases the column lock) then position the shifter to neutral or which ever gear you like the turn the ignition keyy all the way to start. I bypassed mine many, many years ago and prefer it this way.
