1976-82 Automatic Neutral Safety Switch
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
1976-82 Automatic Neutral Safety Switch
I reference my original troubleshoot thread but did some further study on the 1976-82 automatic tranny neutral-safety switch. I credit ukjohn...in England who suggested toggling the shifter between Park and Neutral and see if that got the starter cranking...and it did! Apparently, the contacts in the switch are not making contact when in neutral...but works in Park. The options are replace the switch or remove it, and fiddle with the contacts, cleaning them or ensuring they make contact as the shifter moves contacts over the semi-circle metal plate. Easiest access is to remove the passenger seat and the console side carpet panel...and there it is! The correct switch GM# is 370176,
I talked to Brian Pearce who conducts the NCRS PV (performance verification) about how he checks for a fully functional neutral safety switch. With engine off, set shifter in neutral and then crank. Starter turns the engine over. In my case...it did not. Then with engine off, set shifter in park and crank. Starter turns over.
Hope this is instructive for other forum members who experience a starter that does not crank and troubleshoot when they conclude the problem is a non-operational ignition switch.
Ignition switch/no crank troubleshooting thread reference
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...gn-switch.html
I talked to Brian Pearce who conducts the NCRS PV (performance verification) about how he checks for a fully functional neutral safety switch. With engine off, set shifter in neutral and then crank. Starter turns the engine over. In my case...it did not. Then with engine off, set shifter in park and crank. Starter turns over.
Hope this is instructive for other forum members who experience a starter that does not crank and troubleshoot when they conclude the problem is a non-operational ignition switch.
Ignition switch/no crank troubleshooting thread reference
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...gn-switch.html
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 223
From: Beecher Illinois
Had that situation with my white 79.
Intermittent no hot starts. For years I thought it was the starter. Cleaned contacts in the solenoid and thought that solved the problem. Then it would happen again. I knew it would start in like 30 minutes so didnt worry about it too much as I didnt get out with the car much.
Then once when it happened just by chance I put it in neutral, turned the key with my left hand and jiggled the shifter in the neutral zone. Started right up. Works every time now when necessary.
Haven't fixed it yet, figured anti theft device.
Intermittent no hot starts. For years I thought it was the starter. Cleaned contacts in the solenoid and thought that solved the problem. Then it would happen again. I knew it would start in like 30 minutes so didnt worry about it too much as I didnt get out with the car much.
Then once when it happened just by chance I put it in neutral, turned the key with my left hand and jiggled the shifter in the neutral zone. Started right up. Works every time now when necessary.
Haven't fixed it yet, figured anti theft device.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Thx Kaps and Rick and why I was curious about the "expected" operation and talked to Brian about the PV test.
Thx Rick but just picked up an NOS off eBay. When I tackled this, wasn't sure what to expect. If contacts are worn, then its worthy of replacement so best to have the switch on hand. BTW...that bad gas is gone and 78 runs as smoothly as it did before gas went bad. Filled 1/2 with non-ethanol 87 octane.
Thx Rick but just picked up an NOS off eBay. When I tackled this, wasn't sure what to expect. If contacts are worn, then its worthy of replacement so best to have the switch on hand. BTW...that bad gas is gone and 78 runs as smoothly as it did before gas went bad. Filled 1/2 with non-ethanol 87 octane.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I just took mine apart, cleaned and greased it. Here’s my thread about putting it back together.
This will be a great addition to others who encounter similiar troubleshooting challenges.
