difficulty starting car - need to manipulate gear shift to start

Relist: No answer yet.
Car: 1996 Nissan Altima GXE

Pre-existing condition: car was struck from rear causing rear end damage

Problem now: over the years the car has become difficult to start. I initially needed to manuipulate the gear shifter while it was in the park position when the problem began. Eventually I needed to move the shifter into neutral to start the car. Now (except for rare instances when the car starts while in park) I have to move the shifter into the neutral position and then slam it forward to make the car start.    

? Solution: what can I do to fix this problem?

Thank you.

Nathan Hellenga -          XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX

Optional Information:
1996 Nissan Altima 2.4 Liter 4 cyl

Already Tried:
manipulating gear shift

You are having a problem with your neutral safety switch system. This system senses if the vehicle is in park or neutral to allow it to start. Nissan had a problem with this because some altimas had too short of a cable installed. So your problem may be the switch itself or the cable. Let me know if this is something you want to try and fix yourself.

Yes, I'd like to fix this problem myself. I have a Chilton book for my car. Where do you suggest I start. Thanks.

          Nate

The first thing you need to do is locate this part on the transmission. Let me know when you have found it.Images available only to Customers.

I think I've found it, it's on the front of the transmission right (toward the front bumper)

Yes, that is it. Where the cable connects to the lever can you see if the cable sits centered in the slot or if it all the way pushed to the top or bottom of the slot?

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean. What slot are you talking about? I see where the cable connects to the lever. Do I need to loosen a nut to see this slot?

note - I can hear a buzzing sound when I have the key turned on and I manually move (jiggle) the cable/lever.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on October 3 2006 at 5:54pm

Yes, push the shifter into park. Then you can loosen the nut and see where the cable rests in the slot. If you need to remove the nut completely so you can see it. Let me know what you find.

I removed the nut. The bolt/cable is pushed to the bottom of the slot. Do I need to adjust this so it's in the top or the center of the slot?

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on October 3 2006 at 6:09pm

The cable may be stretched out and may need to be replaced. Try centering it and see if it will help at all.

I pulled the cable so the bolt aligned to the center of the slot then put the nut back on and tightened it. It didn't fix the problem but I may not have done it right. Is there anything else I should try?

I guess that I may have to replace the cable. I'll accept your answer so you will be paid. You've been very helpful and I especially appreciate the quick replies! I would be grateful if you wouldn't mind answering this last set of questions.

What price should I expect to pay an auto parts store for a replacement cable? What is the name of this cable? Will this be a complicated/lengthy process to replace this cable? Are you confident that replacing the cable will solve the starting problem? Can I request you when I have other car problems to ask about? Thanks again, I'll accept you're answer as soon as you reply.

Nate

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on October 3 2006 at 7:04pm

Here is the service bulletin on this problem. See if this helps you. Try also unhhoking the cable and pushing the switch down to see if it starts any better.

1996 Nissan-Datsun Altima L4-2.4L (KA24DE)

Date:
October 2, 1996

1993-96 ALTIMA INTERMITTENT NO CRANK IN THE A/T "PARK" POSITION

APPLIED VEHICLE:
1993-96 Altima (U13) with automatic transmission (A/T)

APPLIED DATE:
Vehicles built prior to May 10, 1996

SERVICE INFORMATION

If a 1993-96 Altima vehicle with A/T has an intermittent no crank condition when the shift lever is in the "Park" position, the cause may be an A/T control cable that is approximately 2 mm (0.08 in.) shorter than specification.

Use the following procedure to diagnose and repair this condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Verify the condition as follows:

With the engine off, place the A/T shift lever into the "Park" position.

Images available only to Customers.