Neutral safety switch adjustment..how to?

[ab_70chevy]

I think I need to replace the neutral safety switch on my '70 C10. My first time doing it, I dont know how to adjust it. Looks like an OEM replacement at the bottom of the column.
Thanks fellas,
-Andrew

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by ab_70chevy

I think I need to replace the neutral safety switch on my '70 C10. My first time doing it, I dont know how to adjust it. Looks like an OEM replacement at the bottom of the column.
Thanks fellas,
-Andrew

There are two small hex head screws that hold the NSS to the column. Use a 5/16", socket to loosen them. To adjust you just loosen the screws and the NSS will slide from side to side. It doesn't move much but it will be enough to adjust it.

LockDoc

[ab_70chevy]

And how do you know if your adjusting it right? What do you want to adjust to? I'm replacing it because every once in a while, it won't start. Iv got all electrical power, but won't crank, won't click, nothing. Then let it sit for about 30 minutes and it starts right up.

[Aussie Ol' Blue]

I've been reading up on the NSS cos I need to re-wire mine. Some one suggested that to adjust for your reverse lights (which are also wired into the NSS) You start with what LockDoc suggests then have someone stand behind the truck, with key in the on position but not running put shift into reverse. slide the NSS back and forth to where the reverse lights go on or off. Find the mid point where they come on and tighten the screws. This might solve your problem. Making sure the wire contacts are all clean and tight should also be considered. Hope that helps and good luck.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by ab_70chevy

And how do you know if your adjusting it right? What do you want to adjust to? I'm replacing it because every once in a while, it won't start. Iv got all electrical power, but won't crank, won't click, nothing. Then let it sit for about 30 minutes and it starts right up.

You adjust it so it will start when the shift lever is in neutral and park. The next time it won't start try wiggling the shift lever or put your foot on the brake and shift the trans into neutral and try starting it.

LockDoc

[Mr Chevorlet]

When i added mine to the column, i put the gear selector in reverse and adjusted it for the reverse lights to come on and then i tighten it up. It took a few times because when i would tighten it up the lights would go off, but i finally got it, and then put it in park and seen if it would start and it did.

[ab_70chevy]

Thanks fellas, I'll do it tonight.

[davepl]

Just a reminder - make sure to use the star washers (if they're not integral to the bolts, which I don't think they are) and proper torque. Otherwise 3 years from now it'll slide, you'll forget you ever touched it by then, and your truck will inexplicably not start...

[Horsman]

Originally Posted by ab_70chevy

I think I need to replace the neutral safety switch on my '70 C10. My first time doing it, I dont know how to adjust it. Looks like an OEM replacement at the bottom of the column.
Thanks fellas,
-Andrew

My C20 is doing the same intermittent no start. Acts the same as yours. Were you successful changing the NSS? Where did you purchase yours?

Thanks in advance!

[OUbesto]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

You adjust it so it will start when the shift lever is in neutral and park. The next time it won't start try wiggling the shift lever or put your foot on the brake and shift the trans into neutral and try starting it.

LockDoc

LocDoc, My 70 C10 starts in Park but not in Nuetral and BU lights work in Nuetral but not in Reverse. I believe my NSS needs adjustment. I read your comment about using a 1/4 socket, nut driver or 12 pt wrench. Unfortunately I cannot seem to get any tool on the head to loosen the screws. Any other ideas?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by OUbesto

LocDoc, My 70 C10 starts in Park but not in Nuetral and BU lights work in Nuetral but not in Reverse. I believe my NSS needs adjustment. I read your comment about using a 1/4 socket, nut driver or 12 pt wrench. Unfortunately I cannot seem to get any tool on the head to loosen the screws. Any other ideas?

Did you try a 5/16" socket? Last time I did it I think I used a 1/4" drive ratchet with a short extension and a 5/16" socket. I will have to go out and check it for sure. I know I had to force the socket on the head of one of the the screws because it is real close to the switch bracket.

Yep, It takes a 5/16" socket. I changed my previous post.

LockDoc

[OUbesto]

Thanks Leon. I'll try a 5/16" socket tomorrow. I was also thinking I would,try a deep well socket with the 1/4 ratchet.

Based on info I gave you. Do you agree that NSS switch is ok but just needs adjusted?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by OUbesto

Thanks Leon. I'll try a 5/16" socket tomorrow. I was also thinking I would,try a deep well socket with the 1/4 ratchet.

Based on info I gave you. Do you agree that NSS switch is ok but just needs adjusted?

I would say so, yes, but What yours is doing is kind of an odd combination so let us know how you get along with it....

LockDoc

[rockyrivermark]

I literally just did this last week on my truck because back up lights not working right.
Thenubit it by the base of the column just before it exists the firewall.
Make sure your selector lines up over P R N D etc. that's adjust under hood
Then slightly loosen the bolts. The drivers side is about impossible to get 1/4" drive 5/16" socket on.
Once loosened slight give is a few love taps with hammer. It slides around the column.
Soak it good with contract cleaner too.
Put the truck in reverse (key on of course). Then have move it until back up lighted are on.
The check starting in park and nuetral. Wiggle the column in both park and
Nutruel and try starting a few times.
Tight screws and you're all set
Mark

[OUbesto]

Thanks guys for input. Turns out my screws were 1/4". I used a universal swivel attachment on a deepwell socket with my 1/4" ratchet and got those two screws loosened up. Rotated the NSS until BU lights worked in R instead of N. now truck starts in P and N!

Thanks again for input. I would never had I had to rotate the NSS to calibrate the shifter! Learn something new every time I go on website!

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by OUbesto

Thanks guys for input. Turns out my screws were 1/4". I used a universal swivel attachment on a deepwell socket with my 1/4" ratchet and got those two screws loosened up. Rotated the NSS until BU lights worked in R instead of N. now truck starts in P and N!

Thanks again for input. I would never had I had to rotate the NSS to calibrate the shifter! Learn something new every time I go on website!

Good deal, and thanks for the info on the socket size. I checked the ones on my '67 Panel Truck so they must be different than your '70.

LockDoc

[special-K]

My '72 did the same thing, out of adjustment so B/Us didn't work and wouldn't start in neutral. The truck was idling low in drive at stop lights when I first had it running last summer. I was popping it into neutral to bring the idle up. I wonder how many people I gave panic attacks to before I realized the B/Us were lighting up. Probably revved it some, too!

I had an issue a couple years ago with intermittent starting. It was the NSS, which was the last thing I checked.