Problems with neutral safety switch

[Willard M.]

My 54 has always started in any gear so I replaced the neutral safety switch. I get continuity to ground using the wire coming up to the relay when in P but not when in D. This would suggest that the switch is doing what it's supposed to. I then attached that wire coming from the switch to the relay using the terminal closest to the passenger side fender. Problem is that the car still will start in any gear. Would my relay be bad? Any other thoughts? I have checked the wiring diagram and all seems to be OK. Bill

[Richard M.]

Re: Problems with neutral safety switch

Bill,

After looking at the 1954 schematics, I would say either the relay is internally shorted between the B & S contacts, or someone put a link between the two terminals to bypass the switch.

Disconnect the battery, then see if there is continuity between the B & S terminals on the relay, first with the wires connected, then without wires connected. Let us know what you found.

Rich

[Willard M.]

Re: Problems with neutral safety switch

Rich-You were right. The B and S wires were together on the same terminal (bottom) effectively tying them together or linking them. I assume that the yellow wire from the starter solenoid really goes to the terminal nearest the engine block and the purple wire from the ignition switch goes on that middle or bottom terminal. If that is correct I will re-do the wires and then test it. Bill

[Richard M.]

Re: Problems with neutral safety switch

OK, good. So going by the schematics in my post above, it shows Purple from the Starter Switch is the center terminal. You may want to leave the Yellow off, and connect a voltmeter to the terminal and check for voltage when key is turned to the start position.

It appears the relay has not been used for a long time. It may be defective, or intermittent. Maybe it's the reason someone linked the two wires together to bypass the NSS. Just use extra caution when testing it out. Also, if the relay is intermittent, it may leave you stranded some day. Just keep a screwdriver handy to "re-link" the wires if needed.

Rich

[Willard M.]

Re: Problems with neutral safety switch

Thanks. My testing will have to wait until tomorrow. If the relay is problematic are these available from Grossmuellers or somewhere else? At least I now understand why the NSS was not effective and most importantly how to fix a "no start" problem on the road. Usually my electrical knowledge is limited to "it must be a bad ground." I'll report in tomorrow with my findings. Bill

[Troy P.]

Re: Problems with neutral safety switch

I have a relay if needed.

[Willard M.]

Re: Problems with neutral safety switch

So it must be the relay. By wiring relay correctly and not having the two wires linked I get nothing when trying to start the car. Hopefully Troy will find one and get back to me so that I can fix the issue.