727 Auto Trans Linkage

[AlienMopar69]

Trans guys I need some help in locating transmission linkage for an automatic 1969 Plymouth Satellite. The problem I am having is that my car will start in park but sometimes it will not do anything when I am in park. But once I put it in Neutral it starts right up.

I believe the linkage is needing parts or bent, but trying to adjust it has not helped.

Any advice will help!!

Thank you.:hello2:

 

[Powerflite]

Is the trans actually in park when you shift it there? If not, then you will need to fix your linkage. It isn't very complicated so I wouldn't think that you would need to start with a whole new set.

But I think you are suggesting that the problem is with your neutral safety switch. But the neutral safety switch has nothing to do with your shifter linkage. It is an hydraulically controlled switch on the transmission. Is there an internal hydraulic malfuction in the trans that is giving a false signal at the switch? Maybe, but I doubt it. You could try shorting the neutral safety switch wire at the starter relay to test it when it refuses to start.

It is possible that you may have a loose electrical connection at the neutral safety switch or that your starter relay is on the fritz. Do you have a floor shifter or column shifter? Column shifted linkage might be pulling on a loose wire in either your neutral safety switch or your ignition switch if you have them routed badly.

 

[AlienMopar69]

Well it acts like it is in Park when it says P on the column shifter. When it does start in Park it does not move when I rev the engine. I will have to look at the electrical portion of it, but I really do not think that is the problem.

I did not think the Neutral safety switch could be the problem, I will look into that as well.

Should there be any play in the linkage at all, or should it be pretty stiff? Because I have some play in it and it looks like the bushings are very bad to gone!

 

[Powerflite]

The neutral safety switch (NSS) prevents the car from being started in reverse or drive. In park and neutral, the switch grounds itself, allowing the starter relay to make contact and send power to your starter. The wire to your NSS is the lowest (brown colored on my '70 Satellite) wire on the starter relay. If you ground that terminal, it bypasses the NSS and your car will start in any gear.

If your linkage is really loose, maybe it isn't fully engaged in park, causing the problem. To test it, you can go under the car and ensure that the trans shift lever is pushed fully backward into park. If it isn't fully engaged in park, you can tighten up the shift likage by replacing the 2 plastic bushings that the shift arm rotates in. You can get them from many places such as brewers, ebody parts in Madera, CA, ebay etc. Also check the metal arms for any excessive wear.