When I first bought my 77 last year I had trouble with the safety neutral switch.  I brought it to the dealers and they didn't replace it only tightened it.  Well a few weeks ago I had the same symptoms twice but after shifting the vette would start.  (I wanted to wait till winter)  Yesterday I went to the store and that was it. I could even feel a little catching sometimes when I shifted trying to have it start.  The question is what extra do I need to know that The Hayes Repair Manual isn't telling me.  (They say 3 screws on the right side of the console == take off that panel and its right there.  Place the shift lever in neutral. Loosen the switch mounting bolts.  Rotate the switch slightly and turn the ignition key to start--if the engine cranks tighten the bolts move the shift lever to drive and try again.  It shouldn't turn over.  Adjust again if necessary.  Tighten the bolts and try in neutral and reverse. )  Anything else I should know that isn't mentioned?

Thanks to everyone again!!!

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Assuming you have found the NSS(Neutral Saftey Switch) on the shifter, then, yes, it's just a matter of moving it until the engine will crank in neutral AND park.
The easiest way to do this, once you have the NSS screws loose is turn(and hold) the key to "start", and then twist the NSS until the starter engages. Then tighten down the screws. Check it again after tightening it. Make sure it will crank in Park, and neutral.

You also want to be sure the back-up lights will work in reverse...not while you're driving down the road...law enforcement frowns on that!

While you have the console side panels off, check the shifter cable where it attatches to the shifter, and see that it is not damaged/kinked/frayed. It could be, from your description, that the cable is binding somewhere, and is not allowing the shifter to fully engage park.
You may need to look at the cable, and the bracket that is bolted to the trans, to see if it is loose/damaged, also. Adams' Apple38968.7873726852

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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Thank you.  That's what I was looking for.

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Also the switch could just be bad and not work at all.  You can override it in a pinch if you are on the road but that will allow your car to start in gear. A little dangerous.

[QUOTE=71Shark]Also the switch could just be bad and not work at all.  You can override it in a pinch if you are on the road but that will allow your car to start in gear. A little dangerous.[/QUOTE]

that is what i was thinking too, my vette didn't start at all, i did override the switch to be able to start.  but after i replaced my switch all probs were gone .  you can check your wiring/ on and around the switch too maybe there is the problem.

 

good luck

art-corvette

 

It was just the adjustment.  I loosened the bolts a little and rotated it backward.  Started in park but not in nuetral.  Rotated it back a little more and both worked.  The hard part was putting the side panels back on.  Thank you Joel and all others who responded.  The shark tank is great!

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A WORK IN PROGRESS

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Yer welcome!
Did you check yer backing-up lites

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"