Conference vmsnet::car$note:carbuffs

    My 1985 Dodge RamCharger will not start by using the ignition key.
    It will start if I jumper the solenoid terminal to the battery.
    
    I suspect the start switch.  The actuator rod is working.  The neutral
    safety swicth, don;t know, but it will not start in any gear (car is
    an automatic).  
    
    I removed the ignition switch, but am not sure of the terminals to
    check continuity.  The switch housing has a C-7 on it.
    
    It has the following contacts;  
    
    	G-1, G-2, B-1, B-2, B-3, 1-3, 1-1, S, A.
    
    Assuming S is for Start, I have continuity to;
    
    	S, B-1, B-2, 1-1 
    
    when I hold the actuator in the start position.  I assume the start
    position is the end position  that I have to "hold" in place, and when
    I release pressure it goes back to what I assume is the run position.
    
    Note that B-1 and B-2, and 1-1 have continuity in the run position.
    
    Skip, you out there?  Thanks, Mark
    
                                                          

    Some other thoughts...  The "1"s at the terminals may actually
    be "I"s.
    
    Should I lube this switch before putting it back in (assuming I find
    out it is good).  I have a hard time changing the positions on the
    switch.  I am using a nail to replicate the actuator rod.
    
    Finally, if this switch is good, I believe the next item to check 
    would be the neutral safety switch.  I assume it is on the tranny?
    Easy to find and test?  Can I just jumper the contacts on the neutral
    safety switch to test it, and then try to start the engine???
    
    Thnks, Mark

    Well, after playing with the ignition switch I took a guess that it 
    was working.  I put it back on the steering column, hooked everything
    up, adjusted the switch distance on the column.  AND >>> now it is
    working!  
    
    But I fear it may go again.  Time will tell.  I had a hard time getting
    the actuator back into the switch, does need seem as secure as it was
    when I was wrestling it out of the switch.  But, hopefully it will not
    pop out of the switch.  Just could not get it in there firmly.
    
    Thanks...  Mark

    How do I test the neutral safety switch at the switch itself (on the
    tranny).  I pulled the connector off and there are 3 contacts.  I
    metered each contact but could find no continuity to any of them
    between any of the gears.
    
    And, the vehicle is starting now.  It has been intermittent starting
    all day.
    
    Thanks, Mark