Hi all, I'm sure this question has been asked and answered many times before, but the search facility doesn't take me to the answer. When I turn the ignition key to start position, nothing happens unless I nudge the gear shifter. Any thoughts anybody?

 

Not in park switch not making proper contact at a guess.

 

Thanks for the quick reply jimbov8. This happens with the shifter in park, & I sort of guessed it was a bad contact, but where is the switch that has a bad contact, please.

 

I'm not sure but I think you will need to take the gear surround off and then you should see it.

 

Does the "P" in the shift indicator glow red? If not, the engine won't crank. If jiggling the gearshift restores the red glow and the engine then cranks as normal, adjusting the 'linear switch' will almost certainly fix the problem. It's rather common.

The linear switch is the black rectangular box to the right of the gearshift. Loosen the (awkward to reach) hold-down screws and gently slide the switch fore-aft until you find the sweet spot-----you'll know when the "P" glows red.

The 'Not in Park" switch is what defeats the shift interlock solenoid when the gearshift is (you guessed it!) not in park. I'm not aware of it being part of the starter circuit in any way. If the NIP switch is on the fritz then the interlock solenoid would annoyingly operate whenever the brake pedal is pressed. It's supposed to operate only when the gearshift is in Park.

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks Doug, Sounds logical, I'll try that. One day I will have this car perfect! It has been lying in a shed for the last 6 years, so odd electrical gremlins are to be expected!

 

Hi Tipptone and greetings from a fellow Irish owner, based in Kerry. I'm guessing from your name you might be in Tipperary? Anyway, the problem would most likely be the above mentioned switch, which is accessed after removing the "ski slope" which has indeed been covered here a million times, so a search should uncover the details.


As an aside, I drive a 4.0l xj6, but have a 3.2 donor car, many parts of which aren't interchangeable, so if there's anything you need that I might never use, give me a shout. I'd be happy to see parts go to a good home.


Do tell us more about your car though...................

 

Hi

Here is a link that describes how to remove the ski Slope to gain access.
I hope it helps you.


https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...300-faq-57038/

bigbossradio

 

Thanks bigboss, that link makes it all clear. Hi sogood, yep, North Tipperary near Nenagh. Thanks for the offer of parts, mine is also 4litre, but I'll bear it in mind in case anything falls off.

 

Your most welcome......... I hope it helps.
I's been over 35 years since I was last in Nenagh........
BigBossRadio Dallas TX

 

So with the help so freely given, I finally removed the ski slope & jiggled the linear switch back & forth. Now all the indicator lights come on exactly in line with the gear shift and I don't have to nudge it to engage the starter. There's a success!
BigBoss - you would find Nenagh & area changed. No more donkey carts going to market!