selector cable

[charliezminiz]

hi all, i have been trying to get my engine to turn over, and i got it to click like it wants to turn over which is good, but the gear selector is in R, i put it in P or N and it doesnt want to no.
does the selector cable just need adjusting.?
thanks in advance guys.

[(minisniper)]

Hiya charliezminiz
From what you have said it sounds like the cable may need adjusting but before you do that, it would be worth checking the inhibitor switch.

Come back and let us know how you get on.

Lea

[kalkat]

Yes indeedy, check the switch first!

It is far more likely that the switch is faulty then the cable needing adjustment. Or the switch has come adrift as the action of this device is to prevent starting while in any selector position other than 'P' or 'N' (dependending on age/conversion)


Emma

[charliezminiz]

i have checked the switch and the wires seem to be fine, i think it most proberly is the cable as i have just re-built the engine so might all need setting up properly. will get back to let all no how i get on.
also on the front of the gearbox there is 2 red and white wires where do these go? let me no if you need pics. thanks.

[Admin/Founder 2]

they may go to the inhibitor switch Lea and Emma have mentioned

On later Model Transmissions the switch is located in a metal box mounted on the front cover(visible just below the front valance)

On early cars the inhibitor switch was located on the rear of the Gear selector assembly

[mra-minis]

Firstly set up the cable to the cortrect position. Then set your inhibitor switch.

2 red and 2 white wires ? the inhibitor only has 2 wires going to it normally. I would assume that it is for an aftermarket alarm system or for front aux lamps may be ??

[ceejam]

2 red and 2 white wires ? the inhibitor only has 2 wires going to it normally.

I assume that hese are the white with red stripe wires for the starter circuit. Also assume that this is post 92 1275 auto Mini (or an A series metro Auto)

[mollymoke]

the 2 'red and white wires' (I think you mean 2 wires not 4?) do connect the inhibitor switch, one should go to the starter motor replacing the white/red switch wire and the other should join to the white/red wire which goes to the 'start' position of the ignition.
So adjust the cable, I did this by marking the full swing of the arm on the trans, pushing the shifter into D (pushes the cable fully out) and pushing the arm forwards, tighten and then shift to P and checking the arm is all the way back.
When the arm is back (shifter in P) the switch should be on, should go off in reverse, on in N and off in 1,2,3,4 and D.
BTW, to override the switch (brakes and wheel blocks suggested in case it is in gear!) just disconnect the switch, put power directly to the starter switch terminal, it should turn over.

more details of your engine/trans/car would help

[kiwihcn]

I tested my inhibitor switch by simply removing the two wires and used a scrap piece of wire to complete the circut. It started so problem found . I installed a new switch and all good now.