My 97 f-150 will not start unless I put it into nuetral also the brake lights dont come on?

Answer 1

You could have 2 different problems or one very big problem. I would most likely go with 2 different problems. With the truck only starting in neutral it is very likely the neutral safety switch is bad. to test this when you attempt to start the truck instead of putting the transmission in to neutral try moving the shift lever a little bit and see if it will start. With the break lights, do the turn signals work? If so I would check the switch at the break pedal. If there is no switch then it is a fuse or a relay. Now if you have checked all this and there are still problems it would be the harness on the truck that is damaged (This is the one BIG problem) if the harness has corrosion on it, you will have all kinds of problems like this. Hope these help.

Answer 2

It's most likely the neutral saftey switch. It is a device on the transmission that prevents the ignition from firing unless the transmission is in PARK or NEUTRAL. If the truck starts in neutral, but not park, this is very likely. I had a 97 taurus do the same thing and that was the problem.

Answer 3

there a few push style switches under the dash board, down around ware the steering column, comes through the floor. the neutral switch may have shifted possition. your brake light switch is in the same general area.

some times they may be mounted on a same braket, and may have shifted, knocking out the brake and neutral switches.

Answer 4

You need to start it in park for safety but you must press break padle in park the hold the break down while crancking, try starting with emergency brakes on also, your truck may have iterlock.

Please read the owners manual, on how to start it.

Answer 5

check the fuse for the break lights in the fuse box