Inhibitor Switch On Auto Box

[galaxychap]

Hiya Guys

 

On my way home from work i stopped at the co-op on my return i put key in ignition to start but nothing except dash lights would not turn over checked she was in park still no turn over gave the gear lever a shake then started home i went which is no further than 1/2 mile once home turned her off then tried to start same problem my immedeiate thought is the gear box inhibitor swich you know the one that stops you starting in gear. Anyone have any other ideas as to the problem and how do i check if it is this switch and where is it inside the car or underneath. she is a ford galaxy 2.8 ghia auto

[dipsomaniac]

almost certainly inhibitor switch. it is located under the trim at the base of the gear lever. remove the screw which secures the gear knob and slide the shroud off. you should then be able to prise off the trim.

[galaxychap]

almost certainly inhibitor switch. it is located under the trim at the base of the gear lever. remove the screw which secures the gear knob and slide the shroud off. you should then be able to prise off the trim.

 

Thought as much do these switches differ from yr to yr or are they much the same asking as i will have to so source one from a breakers because my local ford dealer says it is on order part which could take up to 3 days

 

Regards

 

Galaxychap

[NikpV]

could you not short it whilst part arrives :huh:

[dipsomaniac]

try vw also, they may differ in price or have one in stock. from my experience ford are better with delivery times than my local vw.

 

can you let me know the price as mine has been a bit tempermental for years.

 

i have never seen one of these cars in my local breakers

Edited March 10, 2007 by dipsomaniac

[Guest roblangth]

Hi I have a '98 2.3 auto and have gone thru 3 of these brake pedal - activated switches. Ususlly there has been an associated brake-light problem of some description (whether this is cause or effect I don't know)

To answer your question- an AA man showed me how to manually trip the gear lever button as follows.

1. yank out the ashtray and liner

2. reach in and slightly to the rear, then press the brake pedal, and you will see/feel partial movement of the relevant actuator bit.

3. once found, this can be pushed down at the right time to release the gear lever button, and off you go.

 

My car would start up but I couldn't push the release button to get drive. This gets you round that until fixed. The switch needing replacing is buried under the dash near the fusebox somewhere........