Ford 3000 Neutral Safety Switch

[MickeyB]

I have a 1970 Ford 3000. When I put the hi lo gear lever in neutral the engine does not start. But if I wiggle it back and forth the starter kicks in intermittently. I have to move the lever into just the right position to engage the starter. Do you think it is a faulty switch or something else. I have seen you tube videos on how to change the switch and it seems fairly straight forward but I wanted to know if that is the problem before I change it.
Thanks,
Mickey

 

[BigGG]

When our 3930 started getting intermittent, I jumped the contacts in the connector. After a few starts proved it, I replaced the switch. Easy replacement. Be extra cautious while it's jumpered.

 

[MickeyB]

Thanks Big, sorry if I sound like a novice but how do you jump the contacts in the connector? Is the connector the switch under the shift lever cover or the electrical connection above?

 

[BigGG]

Pull the connector off. Then stick a u-shaped solid wire in to short across the contacts. Use a little tape to hold it and keep it from shorting to anything else.

This is for just long enough to diagnose and confirm the problem.

 

[MickeyB]

Pull the connector off. Then stick a u-shaped solid wire in to short across the contacts. Use a little tape to hold it and keep it from shorting to anything else.

This is for just long enough to diagnose and confirm the problem.

Cheers, will do.

 

[superfarmerdad]

Be extremely careful with a jumped neutral safety switch.

 

[AlbionWood]

I had a similar problem on my NH 1920. Rather than deal with a reed switch, I replaced it with a pushbutton momentary switch mounted in the front panel. After many years of having to jiggle the shifter to get it to start, I now reflexively jiggle it before pushing that button. Works for me.