Inhibitor Switch

[adamzan]

So in preparing for the inspection on the new rig, I went to take it for a drive around the block, and I wanted to see if the shifter would go into all of the gears (D, 2, 1), and I noticed it was kind of stiff trying to pull it back into first, so I sprayed it with PB underneath and let it soak a few hours. It was still stiff so I pulled it back with some force but as slowly as I could. It went into first no problem and now it is smooth through all gears. Great, I thought, until I went to pull it into the driveway to inspect other things. It wouldn't start in park, but it started if I shoved it into N from D. Now it won't even do that, and then the reverse lights got stuck on in park but I got them to shut off by playing with the shifter.

 

I looked in the FSM and did the procedure for adjusting the shift cable, and then the inhibitor switch on the side of the trans. After aligning the holes with the pin I tightened it all up and got excited that it would start without having to jump the starter. Still no go, and now the reverse lights don't come on either. It won't start in any gear at all. I tried holding the key on and rowing it through the gears and nothing.

 

Is there anything else I can check or should I just go get another switch (wish I hadn't sold my parts truck last week!!! FFFFFUUUU)

[k9sar]

sounds like you bent the linkage.

[adamzan]

I looked underneath nothing look bent or out of place, I have my other pathy beside it to compare to. They look exactly the same.

[sewebster]

Not starting seems like it could be the switch... but what about the no reverse lights... isn't that a different circuit that is also apparently now broken?

[adamzan]

The inhibitor switch also is the reverse light switch for the automatic.

[1994SEV6]

The inhibitor switch also is the reverse light switch for the automatic.

 

 

What is this inhibitor switch? I just pulled the shifter out of my truck for the trans swap. If you want any parts, just send me a message.

I was also thinking it was the linkage. I wasn't thinking "Bent" more like not properly aligned for whatever reason.

 

When I was taking out the shifter, I had to trick the truck. I was supposed to put it in neutral before I pulled the trans (to keep the Park-neutral relay in neutral so I could drive the truck with a manual), but I quickly realized that I couldn't remove the key without putting it in park. I obviously couldn't do both. I figured out that there is a mechanical wire that activated a lock in the ignition when the vehicle isn't in park. You can manually manipulate that with your figures. Maybe it's loose.

I don't know why I'm telling you this, because you're pretty smart and you know more than me, but maybe the lube made some stuff slip out of place. Also, follow the linkage all the way through. Follow the metal linkage, and follow the cable to make sure it's pulling the lever on the transmission properly. Get under the truck and look while having someone else shift it. All that's holding the linkage to the trans is a cotter pin. It's pretty sturdy, but still, things can happen. Mine was half way out when I took it off.

[adamzan]

Here is the inhibitor switch/range sensor as it is called. I did the adjustment I guess now its time to check the continuity. I know the linkage is fine because it is exactly the same as my other pathy right beside it that has no issues, and it goes into all gears properly when running. (I can jump the starter manually under the hood)