The ol' Jiggle-the-stick starting issue 1996 Explorer

[ffchampmt]

1996 Explorer Eddie Bauer 5.0, automatic transmission, 135,000 miles.

Over the last few years occasionally, maybe 1 in 10 starts, I'd have to jiggle the shifter to get the vehicle started. In the last few weeks it's turned into every start I'd have to jiggle it a lot, and last Tuesday nothing could get it to start. No spin, no clicks, nothing. It doesn't matter how I moved it around, even putting it in neutral wouldn't get it to engage the starter. In attempting to troubleshoot I replaced the starter relay on the inside fender, replaced the battery, and checked voltages and connections with no change. Tried dozens of times this week and again wouldn't start. Today I tried again and the magic jiggle got it to start.

What I'm here to ask is, what sensors or relays could be faulty here? Could it be something loose I could tighten up? I checked under the dash (as well as my 6'-4" body would fit) and it seemed the connection from the stick to the round metal disk is tight, though there is a little play in the shifter. Can anyone start theirs in neutral? Maybe this is a starter issue that just seems related.

Any leads would certainly be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Whityford]

check the shiftier linkage to the neutral-safety switch. Most likely have a lot of corrosion on there. Clean that off with some sand paper and then retry. if that doesn't work then you might need a safety switch. I had a Mazda 3 that would not start so the first think i did was change the starter thinking it was that. No dice. then i started asking around and someone said check the NSS and sure enough, that was it. It also had corrosion on it but it still need the switch.

 

[ffchampmt]

check the shiftier linkage to the neutral-safety switch.

Thanks for the suggestion. Is this on the trans?

 

[Whityford]

Thanks for the suggestion. Is this on the trans?

Yes. I don't know where exactly but you should be able to follow the linkage.

 

[colintrax]

I'd put money on it being the cable in the dash. Pull the kick plate off and really check

 

[koda2000]

Here's a link to what it looks like. It's mounted on the trans.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=44160&cc=1119664&jnid=563&jpid=3

 

[ffchampmt]

Thanks. I'll check tonight after work to see what I can dig up. Appreciate the help.