Lights on but no crank-1964

[NCMODELA]

Hi. I’m trying to get this bird started. When I have the key on all the lights work but when I crank it nothing happens. If I connect a push button to the ignition spot on the starter solenoid and the battery it will crank and start. To me that says either the ignition switch is bad or there is something wrong with the wire from the switch to the solenoid itself. Is there a fuse for this wire? Any thoughts on troubleshooting.

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[Critterpainer]

Neutral safety switch?

 

[74 Harley]

@Critterpainer ,you beat me to it...

 

[NCMODELA]

Ok. Outside of replacing it can I bypass it until I get a new one? What wires get bypassed.

 

[Critterpainer]

Try lifting the shift lever a bit while turning the key, or moving the shift lever to neutral. The switch (IIRC) is located on the drivers side of the tranny. 4 wires go to it (reverse light and start) the loom runs up the tranny to behind the intake manifold. square plug into engine loom.

 

[NCMODELA]

Ok. I thought on a 64 it was on the steering shaft and was $350 for a new one. It does not start in neutral.

 

[Critterpainer]

That is why I said IIRC If I Recall Correctly. I don't have a shop manual handy at the moment. Remove the neutral switch and see if you can move the contact to park or neutral. It may have a broken tab,

 

[NCMODELA]

Sorry. I was not questioning you. I had no idea what iirc meant. I will look.

 

[NCMODELA]

Figured out that if I lifted on the shifter it would crank. Thanks guys!!!

 

[74 Harley]

Your neutral safety switch is out of adjustment.

 

[BigClay]

Hi. I’m trying to get this bird started. When I have the key on all the lights work but when I crank it nothing happens. If I connect a push button to the ignition spot on the starter solenoid and the battery it will crank and start. To me that says either the ignition switch is bad or there is something wrong with the wire from the switch to the solenoid itself. Is there a fuse for this wire? Any thoughts on troubleshooting.

More than likely it’s the switch at the bottom/end of steering column. It’s either bad or out of adjustment. Get a manual and read about it. (It prevents the car from being started when steering column is “tilted”.