Gear selector switch question

DoreSlamR · 19-04-2009, 02:53 PM

Been having an intermittent problem the last week or so, at random times the ute won't start.

I'm guessing it might be the switch that tells it's in park but I'm not sure, because it seems the only way it will start to turn over again is when the ute rolls a little bit

I should add I had a new alternator installed less than 12 months ago as well.

Should I check relays?

**Whoosha** · 19-04-2009, 05:29 PM

My geuss would be more likely to be starter motor .If it was just the switch it wouldn't mater if it did roll or not, have you tryed shifting betwen P and neutral ?

DoreSlamR · 19-04-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whoosha

My geuss would be more likely to be starter motor .If it was just the switch it wouldn't mater if it did roll or not, have you tryed shifting betwen P and neutral ?

Yep I ran it through from first to Park, at first I thought it was just the switch but yesterday it wouldn't work, so I put it into neutral gave it a bit of a push and away it went.

Is the switch easy to replace?

**Whoosha** · 19-04-2009, 06:12 PM

Strange one .. if the starter soliniod (sticky or jamming) is on the way out this could be why its starting after a push

: I give up back to me manual

:

JC · 19-04-2009, 06:16 PM

Try giving the inhibitor switch on the (under)side of the transmission a spray with WD40/RP7.

DoreSlamR · 19-04-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Try giving the inhibitor switch on the (under)side of the transmission a spray with WD40/RP7.

Good idea I'll try that.

ta.

BIGJB · 19-04-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whoosha

if the starter soliniod (sticky or jamming) is on the way out this could be why its starting after a push

Thats it in one. The solinoid is jamming. If you rock the car it causes it to unlock.
Time for I new starter bloke.

DoreSlamR · 19-04-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99GHIA

Thats it in one. The solinoid is jamming. If you rock the car it causes it to unlock.
Time for I new starter bloke.

Hmm I just realised i meant to say starter motor not alternator in my op

:

It's less than 12 months old

BIGJB · 20-04-2009, 06:43 AM

Even so if rocking the car (or it rolling and you put it into park) which is what I asume you ment.....
makes it start then the soliniod is jamming.
I may be wrong but I don't think I am as I have experienced this a few times
back in the x series Fords that I have owned.

DoreSlamR · 20-04-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99GHIA

Even so if rocking the car (or it rolling and you put it into park) which is what I asume you ment.....
makes it start then the soliniod is jamming.
I may be wrong but I don't think I am as I have experienced this a few times
back in the x series Fords that I have owned.

Oh ok, cool.

At least I got a couple of things I can check out now.

Cheers

JC · 20-04-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

Oh ok, cool.

At least I got a couple of things I can check out now.

Cheers

Inhibitor switch is easy:

Jack left hand side of car up (I use the rear lower trailing arm mounting point and a trolley jack).
Apply chassis stands.
Crawl under car and unplug the 2 plugs going into the white connector on the side of the transmission.
If you have a compressor, blow air on the plugs and connector at this point.
Spray plugs and connector with WD40/RP7.
Reconnect, remove stands and lower car.

If this doesn't fix it, then the inhibitor switch may actually be stuffed .

Of course, it may be something else like the solenoid on the starter - it depends on what noises you here when you try to start it. If you hear nothing, then it's definitely trans or BEM/ECU related, but if you hear a click but nothing else, then it's more than likely the starter solenoid.

DoreSlamR · 20-04-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Inhibitor switch is easy:

Jack left hand side of car up (I use the rear lower trailing arm mounting point and a trolley jack).
Apply chassis stands.
Crawl under car and unplug the 2 plugs going into the white connector on the side of the transmission.
If you have a compressor, blow air on the plugs and connector at this point.
Spray plugs and connector with WD40/RP7.
Reconnect, remove stands and lower car.

If this doesn't fix it, then the inhibitor switch may actually be stuffed .

Of course, it may be something else like the solenoid on the starter - it depends on what noises you here when you try to start it. If you hear nothing, then it's definitely trans or BEM/ECU related, but if you hear a click but nothing else, then it's more than likely the starter solenoid.

Thanks JC, I should be able to get to it this arvo to have a look.

There was definitely no noise whatsoever when I tried to start

DoreSlamR · 21-04-2009, 06:38 PM

Well I cleaned the plugs, went to the shops and it happened again.

Luckily I was near my mechanic, so I got them to come over to have a look, they got it started by hitting the alternator with a hammer.

They checked their records and the new starter motor they installed is still under warranty.

So it's booked in and it shouldn't cost me a cent.