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98 oldsmobile doesnt start!

Yeah, you have a point about it being off a position. But...If the shifter cable isn't adjusted properly to the switch, then the transmission might still go into park, but the shifter would appear to be in reverse. So, put the shifter so it appears to be in drive, and the transmission would auctually be in neutral. And the car would start. Or, other way around. With the shifter appearing to be in park, the transmission is still in reverse. Put the shifter to reverse, and the transmission would be in neutral and the car will start.

Also, as far as the cables coming apart. I didn't read the service manual because I don't have one. But I took mine apart, replaced half of it, adjusted it like I said above, and it works fine. Maybe your aren't supposed to...but I did and it still works.

what you're explaining about the position and appearing to be in reverse, etc is exactly what im talking about. --- easily tested by trying to start the car in all positions (though the fact that the car starts while showing in N, says he cable position is OK.

as for separating the two parts, it was something about the connector not being able to stay together as well if re-connected... (i equate this kind of like a TTY bolt) hopefully you dont have any problems, since you replaced part of it.
 


what you're explaining about the position and appearing to be in reverse, etc is exactly what im talking about. --- easily tested by trying to start the car in all positions (though the fact that the car starts while showing in N, says he cable position is OK.

as for separating the two parts, it was something about the connector not being able to stay together as well if re-connected... (i equate this kind of like a TTY bolt) hopefully you dont have any problems, since you replaced part of it.

Okay, good. We are on the same page.

And no, I haven't had any problem since I installed the cable.
 
Geeezz Change the Netural Safey Switch and its a done deal.. Wont take 15 minutes max to do

First you tell him this:

My 92 had the same problem its the starter. I'd bet 50 bucks is tha starter because if the dash er up then the cars getting power. Toasty pull the starter and take it to az=autozone or advance and have it checked. But thats what I am laying money on

Now your telling him to change the neutral safety switch.

Do I win the $50 or do you care to pick any particular diagnosis and stick with it until its shown to be wrong.
 
My 92 had the same problem its the starter. I'd bet 50 bucks is tha starter because if the dash er up then the cars getting power. Toasty pull the starter and take it to az=autozone or advance and have it checked. But thats what I am laying money on

Geeezz Change the Netural Safey Switch and its a done deal.. Wont take 15 minutes max to do


what happened to "i bet you 50 its the starter" mister?

come on.
 
Geeezz Change the Netural Safey Switch and its a done deal.. Wont take 15 minutes max to do

I want $50, I want $50!!!

What happens if he changes the neutral safety switch and it isn't that. My shifter was all messed up and my switch is fine. Maybe it is his shifter cable. If he would have listened to you sir, he would be out the price of a starter and the price of a switch. Lets troubleshoot this and find out exactly what is going on. Not shooting in the dark like you suggest...
 


Its called the buckshot method. Change a bunch of things and hope one of them was the issue. 'Course, then you're back to square one if it ever happens again cause you didnt learn anything the first time around.
 
easy test would be disconnect the cable at the switch and see if the problem persists after wiggling the arm around a bit, if it takes a big motion it's switch, if just a nudge then I lean cable
 
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