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1996 Geo Prizm Get nothing when you turn the Key

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 1996 GEO PRIZM
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 176,000 MILES
Car was stuck in park and had to push real hard on the button to get out of park. Car was running stopped to get a hamburger and would not engage the starter when we came out of the restaurant. Replaced the battery as it was low, the car has a reversed pull battery on it. Had it towed home, replaced the starter as it has never been replaced. Still nothing. Replaced the netural shift switch in the column. Dash is taken apart to get to the colun, checked the shift lever and switches. The lights in the car work have fully charged battery. Checked the relays and fuses.
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Sunday, November 15th, 2009 AT 11:17 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Check the neutral safety switch on trans. Make sure the cable is not binding and all brackets are secure.
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Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
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The Neutral Switch on the Transmission appears to be fine. No loose wires and the rod is working the lever. Hereing clicks when you shift from neutral, park, drive, reverse etc.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
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Then I would remove the shifter console and inspect shifter hardware and switch in console.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
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I have done that, we replaced the neutral shift switch in the console. We have not replace the one on the transmission. Nothing looked bad however appeared there may have been soda spilled on the console.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
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I would remove console and clean all wiring connections with electronics cleaner.

Check for 12V at starter connection and 12V at solenoid with key to start (car on jackstands at all four wheels).

I would also get a neutral safety switch at a junk yard and replace.

Check cables for binding, loose brackets.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 8:47 AM
Tiny
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Is there a way to test the switch or bypass temporaly to see if it is the switch. We have called a dozen or so junk yards, ebay, and online. Not finding a used one. Most are for a Manual Trans. The New one is a little pricey to just to attempt a troubleshooting step without knowing for sure it is the neutral saftey switch. I will see if I can get the car totally off the ground and try that step next. We had tested for fire at the starter and nothing. I have replaced the starter as well as it was the original with the car.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 9:27 AM
Tiny
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You can cross starter wire to solenoid, be carefull, although direct current, it contains a lot of amps. Just like a MIG welder.
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Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 AT 7:14 AM

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