jgmiller71

I was wondering if anybody could point me in the right direction on my son's 88 Suburban 1/2 ton 350 4x4. It is stuck in Drive. I disconnected the linkage to see if it was transmission related and that didn't help. Then i read somewhere that it might be a Brake transmission switch issue but i can't locate it on the column. The previous owner had lost the keys to it and broke the lock off on it and wired it to start from a switch and a button. I Found the brake switch and it tested fine. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

kevinkpk

I think I read the transmission is in drive, and it won't start. The neutral safety switch is what's (as i read) keeping it from cranking. regardless of the transmission position the switch won't let it crank. The brake switch unless depressed won't let it out of gear . You might try (with a worn steering column) holding the gear shift in park while trying to start

jgmiller71

I'm am sorry I meant to say it is stuck in Park and won't go into drive. It starts fine suprisingly. Thank you for the response.

kevinkpk

Can you feel the steering column shift? I know you posted disconnecting the transmission shift lever. Is it the problem in the column shift or transmission shift lever?

jgmiller71

It is in the column. I can shift it at the transmission. With break engaged and the linkage disconnected it won't leave the parked position.

jgmiller71

I tested the brake switch with a meter and it appears to open and close fine for the brake lights but there is also 3 wires coming off the back of the switch that i don't know what they go to. One is Grey/black and the others are both Grey. I also can't find any schematics for the steering column for and 88 Suburban? Is the BTSI located inside the column and will i have to pull steering wheel to locate it? Would I be better off just replacing the whole column? This column doesn't have a working key.

kevinkpk

Yes, that would be my plan

jgmiller71

Ok thank you