jmckim

I have a 1966 250S with a column shifter. When I put the car in park the starter won't engage. When I put the shifter in the neutral position is starts fine. I would appreciate some advise on what may be happening here and whether there is an adjustment that can be made to ensure engagement of the starter while the shifter is in the park position. Thanks John

chassis

Does the vehicle have a park switch in either the steering column/shifter, or the transmission?

The ignition key and starter are ruled out by the neutral gear test.

jmckim

There is no Physical "park switch" on the steering column/shifter. I'm not sure what I would be looking for on the transmission. I haven't been under the car as yet.
Not sure what is meant by "The ignition key and starter are ruled out by the neutral gear test" I just know that when I put it in neutral is starts and when I put it in park nothing happens when I turn the key.
Thanks very much.. John

chassis

If it starts in neutral then the ignition key components and the starter motor have been confirmed to be functional. If the car did not start in neutral there would be question about whether or not the ignition key and related components and starter motor had failed.

Crawl under the car or put it on jack stands and look closely for any wires connected to the transmission.

Another thing to try is to wiggle the gear selector in park, and try to start it. There is a switch that prevents the engine from starting when the gear selector is in forward or reverse gears. Park and neutral, the engine can be started. It could be the gear selector is out of adjustments, loose, or the switch has failed.

jmckim

Thanks for the advice. I will check out and advise
John

jmckim

I located a switch near the firewall that seems to be the culprit. After cleaning and lubricating all moving parts connected to the shift lever the car is starting fine again in Park. Thanks for all of your advice. It was very helpful.
All the best
John

chassis

Congrats!