Starts in Neutral but not Park !

Hello, Wondering if anyone has had a similar experience to my truck (96 Ranger

4.0 auto 4x4) issues.... The other day the battery (charging system) light came on while driving. The battery charge meter was still showing that the alternator was charging. I shut the truck off and restarted it with no problems, and the light went away and did not come back. A few days later, I went to start the truck and it only clicked once or twice when you turn the key. Headlights were bright, CD player worked, so I figured the battery was good. When trying to start it, air bag light was sort of dimming and the 4x4 lights went off. But the starter did not turn. Then I tried putting it in Neutral and it fired right up. Put it back to park, turned it off, tried again, and it worked fine.... Problem with neutral safety switch? would this illuminate the battery charge light if there was a fault?

Thanks....

Reply to
tyson.morrow
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Reply to
fordtech

Take it to the one of the local places (Autozone, Oreilly's etc.) that checks your charging system. They can tell whether your battery is about to go kaput. (It sounds like it is.)

Reply to
Captain Coleman

Thanks for the replies.

My mechanic said that there was dirt on the alternator-battery connection so it was cleaned, and that the battery was only putting out

8.6 volts when it should be over 9 (not sure which test that was ie. what was turned on/off...) Regardless the battery is the orignal from 1995 build so I think it's served its purpose. I am getting a new one... though i am still confused why it started in Neutral so easily and no dice in Park, if the neutral safety switch was ok (it was). Ah well...as long as she starts and drives....

Capta> Take it to the one of the local places (Autozone, Oreilly's etc.) that

Reply to
tyson.morrow

Reply to
Big Shoe

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