Will not start, NSS location

Tiny
RGGBX
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 FORD BRONCO
  • 2.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
First my truck is a Bronco II, not a full size Bronco.

Question:

Can anybody tell me where is the NSS [Neutral Safety Switch] on my vehicle? Anybody have a Haynes Shop manual with a pictures?

It's not on the transmission and it's not on the steering column.
Thursday, May 21st, 2020 AT 1:22 AM

23 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

Yes, it is on the transmission. It has to be to get a signal for park and neutral.

I attached a picture of the location for you and the procedure for replacing.

Roy
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Thursday, May 21st, 2020 AT 3:46 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Thanks very much for the reply and pictures!
(was looking for "old style" mechanical NSS on the transmission gear selection/shifter cable linkage. My bad ;-(

What is the procedure for testing the NSS prior to removal/replacement? I have a voltmeter [no ohms test setting though ].
What should the voltmeter reading show and how to test if the NSS is bad and preventing starter turnover? Do I 'bypass" the switch and test start the vehicle or other procedure?

I have ignition circuit voltage 12.9v (small red wire on top center small post of solenoid) at the solenoid switch (on rf firewall) when I turn on the key start on steering column. Ie. On column ignition switch [mechanical/electrical] is "working" or seems to be working.
Vehicle will not key start in p (park) or in (neutral) shift position(s).

Other details; new solenoid switch, battery at 12.9v, all battery cells at 2.1v each, new battery terminals, electrical grounds at firewall and right front fender cleaned and dielectric grease install.

Solenoid switch "clicks" one time only when ignition key is activated- but starter does not turn over (not activated at all).
Vehicle will not jump start from second vehicle with battery to battery cables.
Vehicle will start strong (every time) when solenoid switch is bypassed. Positive battery terminal to positive starter cable at solenoid.

Please give details of procedure(s).
Many thanks.
Richard
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Thursday, May 21st, 2020 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, the little wire on the solenoid should have power in the start position. To see if the starter works, use a screwdriver from the positive of the battery post to the stud that the little wire is attached to. It should activate the starter.

As far as the neutral switch, there should be power at the pink wire. That is from the ignition switch. Then the power goes to the red/light blue wire and off to the solenoid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I attached the diagram for you.

Roy

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Thursday, May 21st, 2020 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
RGGBX
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Thanks Roy for the very fast reply !
Will check this out and get back to you ASAP (probably tomorrow).

Thanks again,
Richard
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Thursday, May 21st, 2020 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Thursday, May 21st, 2020 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Progress update:

Did this "to see if the starter works, use a screwdriver from the positive of the battery post to the stud that the little wire is attached to. It should activate the starter."
Result: fired right up strong. Stayed running.
Something is definitely stopping the powering on of the solenoid/starter relay and starter activation because:

1) with the ignition key in the "on"position the solenoid (little red wire) has 12v.
2) when the key is turned to "run" (start) the voltage drops to zero at the solenoid (little red wire).

Problem: can't get the NSS electrical connection off. Heat "frozen" on there? Don't want to wrench on it and possibly damage the electrical or NSS (if good).
Question: is there an alternate way to remotely test the NSS? Maybe through the on steering column starter switch? Or other way?

If not, how can we be sure which component (NSS, clutch triple FCN switch; on column start switch; TFI etc, ) is the problem?
By the way, had the TFI replaced 2 years ago. Vehicle started okay back then. Just shut off after everything (TFI and engine) got hot. Ran good ever since.

Your comments please.
Thank, s
Richard
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Thursday, May 21st, 2020 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
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You can try back probing the wires at the switch for power without removing the connector.

The little red wire should only have power in the start position at the relay.

Recheck that for me and let me know.

Roy
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 4:04 AM
Tiny
RGGBX
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Have 4 wires on NSS. Pink; red/Lt blue (stripe); white/red(stripe); black.
Thought the "pink" wire was the "hot" for the NSS.
Please clarify this > " The little red wire should only have power in the start position at the relay."
So, I back probe the pink wire with the ignition key set to "run/start" to see if its "hot".
Yes?
No?
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 4:38 AM
Tiny
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At the solenoid under the hood, the little wire to the push on the stud should only have power in the start position. There should be no voltage at any other time.

That voltage comes from the neutral safety switch. The pink wire gets power from the ignition switch only in the start position. The switch will allow voltage to go to the red wire that goes right to the solenoid.

Roy
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 4:47 AM
Tiny
RGGBX
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Ah, okay. Thanks for clarifying that.

Will recheck the voltage on the red wire at solenoid/start relay in both the "off" and the "on" and the "run" ignition key positions and let you know ASAP today.
Thanks
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 4:54 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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No, no, no. Please re-read my response.

The little red wire will only have voltage in the start position, not any other position.

Roy
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 4:57 AM
Tiny
RGGBX
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Results:
re-test battery V - good @ 12.7V
Solenoid re-TEST(s): [all tests with + POS Battery terminal. To. Solenoid red wire (not connected to solenoid top center post)]
Key OFF - ZERO Voltage
Key ON - 11.7 V [note voltage drop].
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:29 AM
Tiny
RGGBX
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Continued
Key RUN - 11.7 V note voltage drop]

NOTE: the little red wire HAS voltage in BOTH the "ON" and "RUN" position(s).
That's abnormal. Right?
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:32 AM
Tiny
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Correct. It should only have power in the start position.

Roy
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:39 AM
Tiny
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Any idea as to what can cause this? What to test next?
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Either the neutral switch is bad or you have a wiring harness issue somewhere in the harness.

Roy
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:43 AM
Tiny
RGGBX
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"neutral switch".?
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:47 AM
Tiny
RGGBX
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Oh. You mean the NSS
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:49 AM
Tiny
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That is correct. The neutral safety switch.

Roy
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:50 AM
Tiny
RGGBX
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It might be slammed/stuck in the "open" position?
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Friday, May 22nd, 2020 AT 6:50 AM

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