Sometimes won't start in Park

Scrolling through the topics in this section reminded me of a problem I sometimes have

Occasionally my 1973 V8 auto won't start in P. No ignition at all

Moving it to N gets it going

I've seen mention of an inhibitor switch. Could this be the problem?

It's not a massive problem at the moment but if it was an easy fix I could have a go at fixing it
 
The ignition doesn't turn on

There is no light and it doesn't turn over

I did mention this to the previous owner when i bought it and he mentioned something about a switch. I thought he said something like a cut-off switch but i was trying to fix another problem at the time and can't remember exactly what he said

He said put it in neutral and it should start

Then seeing mention of the inhibitor switch i thought it might be that
 
The inhibitor switch simply stops power from the ignition switch to W1 on the 6RA relay, when in gear, therefore not allowing you to start the engine.

It shouldn't affect the ignition system, as this would stop the engine running when in Park or Neutral.
 
Update

The ignition does come on but it doesn't turn over

It starts fine in neutral

Is that the inhibitor switch?

It doesn't happen every time and i can start it in neutral, but is it an easy fix or should i not bother? :hmm:
 
There are 2 types of switch - on a BW35 it screws in, small diameter with spade contacts (1/4" wide flat blades) pointing sideways; on BW65 its a flat thing that is on a cross shaft with radial spade tags. both on nearside of box. If you can get underneath, pull each lead off the blade, clean the blade(small wire brush?),reconnect the lead. Remove & replace leads should require a little effort - if little or none, the lead contact may need squeezing a little with pliers. If this doesnt fix the problem, the switch is probably dodgy.
 
If it's a BW35 the most common cause is linkage adjustment. This is also possible with a BW65 but much less likely. 1973 V8 could be either. Does the PARK function work?
 
If it's a BW35 the most common cause is linkage adjustment. This is also possible with a BW65 but much less likely. 1973 V8 could be either. Does the PARK function work?

Yes the Park function works. It can be a little tetchy to select. I need to give it time to slide in smoothly

I believe the gearbox is BW35. Apparently the BW65 was introduced in October 73 and i'm fairly sure my car is before that (in 73)
 
I have exactly the same problem. It seems worse when the car is hot. Yesterday I had it happen twice but it did start in Neutral, just not in Park. I have adjusted the inhibitor switch but it has made no difference. I have replaced the 6RA relay too with no improvement so I think it must be the inhibitor switch. I have the BW35 screw in type. I plan to replace it to see if it fixes the problem. All contacts are good. It also has only started happening since I removed the gearbox to be reconditioned so I suspect it didn't like being messed with. It is 53 years old after all!
 
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