Hi all, I have a 97 4 cylinder model that was only starting in neutral and the key would not come out of the cylinder. Thought it would be an easy fix and replaced the neutral safety switch, but when I replaced it still nothing and now it wont even start in neutral. So I put the old one back on and now it wont start in neutral anymore. Hmmmm....so looking at the metal contacts on the switch I do see some minor wear marks on the old one, but when I have it installed I can see a gap of about an eigth of an inch between the metal spindle and the switch contacts themselves. Is this right or should it basically be touching the contacts in order to read the position? Before, the indicator on the dash would read correctly as I shifted between park and all the gears except when in park would show D4 unless I pushed it hard to the end. Now, all it will show is D4 no matter how I move the shifter around making me think its not reading the signal for some reason, hence the no start. I didnt move anything while in there so I am confused as to why it is doing this now and dont know how to proceed. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.


97 Accord LX

 

Shift cable adjustment and testing, then to the interlock and shift position switch testing/adjustment. Since the key is/was having issues I'd start with the shift cable.

Next is testing the interlock and shift position switch.

In the Common DIY Thread "sticky" at the top there is a link to a manual for a 94-it will be just fine for this testing/adjusting. I have it and a Service Manual from a friend and I or other members can help you thru the process.

As an example of what you can find in the manual, see the attached

Then, I realize being without a car is not a good thing and money can be tight. So as a TEMP solution...TEMP ONLY please. Car in "P", put e-brake on to be sure. Then turn the key to the on/position II, you can..should be able to run a wire from the hot/+ side of the battery to the small terminal of the starter and get it started, once the engine is running remove wire, or starter will stay on-bad thing....just know you have to use this method everytime you want to start the car....not fun on cold mornings or in the parking lot at work

 

Thanks for the good info as I think I see something in the diagrams that may be the cause of my problems. I will update the post.