ATX No Crank but everything else works

[joesho_gb]

Ok, this isn't exactly a question, more of an FYI in case you have this problem.

Problem - The car ran fine, started no problems. Drove around town for a bit, then when I went to go start the car, nothing. No crank, no clicks. When they key is turned to "RUN", the EATC comes on, headlights, radio, all lights in the instrument cluster, and the seatbelt warning bings.
When turning the key to "START", the normal lights came on
Check Engine - Battery - Oil - Check Oil, Lamp Out but still didn't crank or click.

Solution - The neutral safety switch harness came loose, preventing the car from cranking. It didn't know what gear it was in (it was in park), so it wouldn't start.
To find this harness, pop the hood and look on top of the transmission. There are two harnesses. The white one on top is not the issue. Look under the gear selector on top of the trans. Now, look just below that and towards the firewall a bit. You'll see a black connector there facing the strut tower. That is for the safety switch. Make sure that connector is tight, and there's no corrosion.

After reseating it (it was loose), she fired right up! Not saying this will fix your problem but it's a good place to look.

 

[jayhoyt28]

Thank you. This has happened a couple times. Most of the time it starts with no problem but now I know what's about to make it never start.

 

[projectSHO89]

It's not a matter of whether the system "knows" what position it's in - it's much more simple than that.

The signal from the ignition switch goes through the transmission-mounted switch (when the shift lever is in P or N) on its way to the starter. If the circuit isn't complete, the starter cannot engage.

 

[joesho_gb]

Yup, and that's exactly what happened too me. When I had the problem, I searched the forums (while sitting in the parking lot of the store, from my blackberry). There were a lot of posts and answers about the starter, battery, cables, ignition switch, but very few mentioned the neutral safety switch.

That's why I posted it. As I said, it may not be everyone's problem, but could be a start in the right direction.