neutral safety switch-HELP!!

[bugly truck]

Ok, not sure this is the correct catagory, but I need some help, so here goes...
I have a 71 F250 Auto.
Here's the problem...
The "actuating pin lever" broke off of the neutral safety switch and now my truck won't start!!
The "actuating pin lever" is the little metal pin that "pushes" against the "sliding block" that in turn "tells" the system what gear the trans is in.

I know the "correct" way to fix is to replace, but I can't do that immediately and I need to drive my truck..
So, my question is...Is there a way to "override" the switch????

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Ken

[FORDification]

Sure...as a temporary fix, just tie back the protruding arm of the switch with a piece of wire, like it would be in the Park position.

In this picture, the yellow arrow is pointing to the NSS's arm. When it's all the way to the left, it's essentially in the Park position. Just push it over to the left and tie it down.



Just be very careful! You have to remember that the truck will now start in gear and jump forward or back (depending on what gear you're in).

[bugly truck]

Keith,
Thanks for the input!!! I thought that would do it too... I held it with my finger over to the park position, but it still won't start...no turn over or nothing, just like it would if it were in gear...
I know this is the problem, or something with this switch, as I started and drove the truck this morning...then this afternoon I installed a new turn switch assembly in the column. When I was re-assembling everything is when I broke off that dang little pin!!!
Do you think it is possible, I may have gotten something else messed up in the column???

Thanks for the input Keith...I don't post much, but I love reading thru the forums and I use the rest of your sight a ton!!
By the way, I really like the "did you knows" at the top of the forum pages!!!

Ken

P.S-I guess this post should probably be over in the electrical forum so, if you want to move it that would be fine!

[FORDification]

Well, it's possible that holding it ALL the way over is too much. I'd first make sure the truck is in Park. Then with one hand turn the ignition key to Start and hold it there, and then slowly push the NSS's arm over until the engine cranks over. Then just tie it off in that spot.

I'm sure there's a way of pulling the switch's connector off and adding a jumper wire there, but someone else would have to detail that one.

[bugly truck]

Keith, I'll give that a shot tomorrow...hadn't thought that maybe I am over toooo far!!!

thanks again for the help!

Ken

[Jake11]

Just pull the connector off and make a "jumper wire" and make the
circuit. Then fix it proper when time allows.

[kid]

Sure...as a temporary fix, just tie back the protruding arm of the switch with a piece of wire, like it would be in the Park position.
.

Wow is that how Automatics do it.

I never have owned a Ford truck with a slush box in it. Now my POS GMC 89 Boom truck has one and I think I might move the boom over to my 69 f350 when it is done.

[fordman]

i seen that done with bailing wire before. are those tabs available new i wonder? that seems to be something i have heard about more than once. i have one that has the tab missing in my 67 it has been by passed though.

[qman]

When I first got my truck the switch dangled from up under the dash because the pin was gone. I'd have to lean over and slide the tab over to the right spot (not all the way over by the way) and turn the key. You can get those pins and all they do is snap into place. If you get one it takes about half a second to put one in.

[bobbyinpd]

I just put a start button on my dash and wired in a switch that turns the ignition on, like a race car. But I hid the switch.

[bugly truck]

hey guys,

thanks for all the input...
Keith you were right, I was pushing the switch too far to the left... started right up when I played with it a bit...
Qman, you sure about how easy it is install a new pin?? and do you know where i can get one?? it seems like the one that broke off has a jagged edge, kinda feels like the rust god got to it...
Anyway, thanks to everybody for solving my problem...I hope it is as easy as Qman says, cause I really don't want to go to a junk yard and have to pull the whole column for that one little piece!!!!
By the way bobby, when I first got this truck a year ago it had a "Kill" switch that i got rid of...so I don't want to go back that way!!

thanks again everybody for the input!!!

Ken

[$500F100]

I just put a start button on my dash and wired in a switch that turns the ignition on, like a race car. But I hid the switch.

Now we know

[kid]

What you don't have a start button and switch? I had a desert racer with 22 switches for lights and 4 for engine control. So try and find the ignition one in that mess.

[$500F100]

Nope. Just a switch. Uses a key. I know .... weird.

[fordman]

yea they just snap in i have seen that from the columns i have taken out. i don't know how hard it is to put one in or take one out but i think it would be easier if the column was out to where you could get at it better. but i might be wrong too.