Maverick and Comet Repair
Clutch and Transmission
NEUTRAL START SWITCH ADJUSTMENT
Column Shift
1970 MAVERICK ONLY
1. While holding the selector lever against the Neutral stop, attempt to start
the engine. If the engine starts while holding the lever against the stop, but
does not start when the lever is released, the shift linkage is in need of
adjustment. If the engine does not start in either condition, the neutral start
switch needs adjusting.
2. To adjust the switch in Neutral, place the selector lever against the stop of
the Neutral detent position.
3. Loosen the two retaining screws locating the switch on the steering column.
4. With the selector lever held against the Neutral stop, rotate the switch
until you are able to start the engine in the Neutral position. Then, tighten
the switch retaining screws to a torque of 20 in. lbs.
5. With the switch properly adjusted in Neutral, place the selector lever in the
"1" position and push the park reset button (see illustration) counterclockwise
until it stops.
6. Place the selector lever in the Park position. Release the selector lever and
attempt to start the engine. If the engine starts, fine. If not, reset the park
adjustment.
7. To adjust the switch for the Park position, place the selector lever in "1"
and push the park reset button (see illustration) counterclockwise until it
stops.
8. Finally, check the operation of the switch in either selector lever position.
The starter should engage only in the Neutral and Park positions. If any further
adjustments are made, be sure to reset the park reset button as in Steps 5 and
7. If, after performing the switch adjustments, the engine still will not start
in Neutral or Park, the switch will have to be replaced.
Floor or Console Shift
1971-77 ONLY
1. Adjust the shift linkage as outlined under "Automatic Shift Linkage
Adjustment."
2. Loosen the two neutral start switch attaching bolts underneath the
transmission selector lever on the transmission case.
3. With the lever on the transmission in Neutral, rotate the switch and insert a
No. 43 gauge pin into the gauge pin holes of the
switch. The gauge pin must be inserted a full 31/64 in. into the 3 holes of the
switch.
4. Torque the two switch attaching bolts to 55-75 in. lbs. Remove the gauge pin
from the switch.
5. Check the operation of the switch. The engine should start only with the
selector lever in Neutral or Park.
NEUTRAL START SWITCH REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Column Mounted Shifter Type
To properly remove and install the neutral start switch, use the following
procedure:
1. Disconnect the neutral start switch wires at the plug connector.
2. Disconnect the vacuum hoses, if so equipped.
3. Remove the two screws securing the neutral start switch to the steering
column and lift the switch from the column. Check the column to be sure that the
metal switch actuator is secure to the shift tube and that it is seated as far
forward against the shift tube bearing as is possible. Also check for a broken
or damaged actuator. If it is broken or damaged, replace it.
4. Before installing a new switch to the column, check to see that the red
neutral position gauge is inserted in the neutral pinning hole. If the pin is
missing, align the two holes at the neutral pinning hole on top of the switch
and install a No. 43 drill or 0.092-0.093 in. gauge pin.
5. While holding the selector lever against the stop in the Neutral detent
position, place the switch on the column and install the two attaching screws.
Tighten the screws to 20 in. lbs. torque.
6. Remove the gauge pin (or drill if used).
7. Connect the switch wires to the plug connector and check for a start in the
Neutral position. The starter should engage with the selector lever against the
Neutral stop. If not, loosen the attaching screws and move the switch just
enough to engage the starter. Tighten the screws.
8. With the switch properly adjusted in Neutral, push the park reset button to
the left (counterclockwise) until it stops.
9. To adjust the switch for the Park position, place the transmission selector
lever in 1 and push the park reset button to the left until it stops.
10. Connect the vacuum hoses to the switch, if so equipped.
11. Check the operation of the switch in each selector lever position. The
starter should engage in only the Neutral and Park detent positions.