starting problem
 

Greetings, All,
I am having this problem quite often recently:
When the key is at ON position, the 'P' on the auto tranny mode switch blinks.
The starter will run strong but no start. I had to switch the gear back and forth
until i can hear the fuel pump sound, then it will start right up.
I replaced the shifter bushings a few month back.
Any ideas?
Where should i check /adjust? I believe it should be an electrical problem.
Thanks in advance.

check the neutral safety switch.

will the neutral safety switch control fuel pump?
 

I thought it only controls the starter?
The starter always works...
It indeed seemed to me there is a loose contact in fuel pump control circuit somewhere. But i will check the neutral safety switch first.

I'd suggest getting the FSM and trace the circuit back from the pump.

you are correct if the car cranks it isn't the NSS. not too sure what I was thinking.

You may have different things going on here.
It is normal for the power indicator lamp to come on for about two seconds and then to flicker for 8 seconds when performing the FSM Auto Transmission Preliminary check (page AT-19 in FSM). What is not normal is for it not to start when the shift lever is in Park or Neutral. Can it be started in D, 2, 1 or R? If so, check the continuity of the inhibitor switch 4-pin connector. If it can't be started, you may need to make a slight linkage adjustment since you replaced the shifter bushings, or your whole issue may reside in your fuel pump circuit and is totally unrelated to your A/T.
I am confused by your statement because shifting the A/T lever back and forth should have no effect on your fuel pump.

Another hint, the FSM suggests the most likely problems when the engine does not start in "N" or "P"
1 - Fuse
2 - Ignition switch and starter
3 - Fluid level
4 - Inhibitor switch

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the hint.
Now it seems to me not an issue with Neutral position switch. More like a fuel pump related electrical problem. I can get the car started only in P and N, not in any other gears, which is normal. I am checking the circuit for fuel pump.
the lines are fine. Could it be fuel pump relay or other relays?
This morning, the engine stalled once while i was making a right turn. It started right up though.
Any suggestions/hints are greatly appreciated.
TIA.

Ignition Switch maybe?
 

I had my ignition switch go out, then i replaced it and it would start up everytime. Then my starter when out and my altenator was testing bad so i just ended up replacing everything since i had warranty on them anyways. Didn't want to deal with it not starting when i drove somewhere far.

I also have a starting problem and i was wounding what you all think. It always happens after my car has set for about 8 hours to a day and i try and start it. I just recently changed the fuel filter, starter, spark plugs and most of the vacuum hoes. Its a 89max with 290k miles lol The battery has like 650 cranking amps and like 300 cold so i don’t think its the battery. What else could it be? :noes: