starting-shift linkage?

[msco123]

On my conversion from bench to bucket, I changed out the steering column.
Now I am having problems starting the car. If I hold the key engaged and roll the shift slightly around, the car will eventually start. Is there some adjustment I can make on the shift linkage or is the problem elsewhere?

[zodiacblue442]

Sounds like the neutral safety switch on your steering column is out of adjustment. The Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manuals give you precise instructions on how to adjust it. Obviously the car is supposed to start in Park and Neutral, and not start (or crank) in any other gear.

BTW, do you still have the bench seat? Planning any trips to the Colorado Rocky Mountains? :D

[msco123]

[QUOTE=zodiacblue442;32023]Sounds like the neutral safety switch on your steering column is out of adjustment. The Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manuals give you precise instructions on how to adjust it. Obviously the car is supposed to start in Park and Neutral, and not start (or crank) in any other gear.

BTW, do you still have the bench seat? Planning any trips to the Colorado Rocky Mountains? :D[/QUOTE

Thanks, I thought about the safety switch so, I will check the manual tomorrow. Just got her back from the painter and have been putting her back together. I have a real interesting story on the front bumper I will tell later when I post pics.

Hell yes, I still have that damn bench seat. In the way, under foot and needs to go. Thinking about making my buckets power seats from the motor off the bench. No, you need to come to beautiful Natchitoches, Louisiana(HOME OF THE OLDEST PERMANENT SETTLEMENT IN THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE(1714), MOVIE PICTURE LOCATION OF "THE HORSE SOLDIERS". "THE MAN IN THE MOON", "STEEL MAGNOLIAS" AND THE FAMOUS "NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIE") and get this seat before I break my neck tripping over it.

[msco123]

Oh, I forgot about the Natchitoches Christmas Festival.

[zodiacblue442]

Cool pics of Louisiana. Haven't been to that part of the country. I am working crazy hours and don't have time or extra $$$ for a road trip so unfortunately I think I'm Colorado bound for awhile. If you need to get rid of the seat, I understand. Don't save it specifically for me because I'm not sure when or how we would get the seat to CO. All shipping options I've checked including Greyhound are pretty spendy.

So, do tell. What's the front bumper story? :confused:

[msco123]

No problem with the seat. I will let you know when something absolutely has to be done. I will give you 1st choice when this happens.

Bumper story.. when I post update pics, I will tell the story.

[rickman]

Starting issue... There is a rod that runs from the steering column shifter (close to the firewall under hood) to the trans. This rod has an adjustment that you loosen the nut and slide the rod through to adjust the shifter on the column. It works the same for column or floor shift. Put floor shifter in park, loosen nut, rotate column piece (where column shifter was) all the way to the left (counterclockwise), then just slightly back to the right, tighten nut. Turn key on (but don't start), move shifter from P to D, then back to P and try to start. This is probably not the correct way according to the manual but is easier than standing on your head trying to move the safety switch. If it still doesn't start, you can loosen the nut and move slightly to the left or right. As listed previously, check in all gears to ensure it will only start in P and N for safety purposes. You wouldn't want a drive through garage :eek:

[msco123]

Thanks for the input. I will give it a try.