Car won't start! HELP!

[bluegrasscharger]

My 1970 charger has been starting and running just fine.  I parked my car today after running some errands.  I came back out an hour later and it won't start.  Sometimes I have to slam it into park to getting the sensor on the transmission to read that it's in park but this time it's not working.  I thought "well the battery's gone dead"  but the lights and horn still work so I know the battery's not dead but the radio, wipers, or fan will not come on.  What the heck?  I checked the fuses and they are not blown.  Any ideas??

[nascarxx29]

 If slamming it in gear gets it to start.The neutral safety switch is causing it not to start by the key.It might also shift linkage adjustment

[bluegrasscharger]

But why would the radio and fan not work?  Besides it won't start even when I slam it into park.  Is there a way to check the neutral safety switch?

[adauto]

I'm a little confused... it dont start or it dont crank? The reason I ask is your slam into park comment. If the rod's not adjusted properly it wont do jack. Been there done that. And when you adjust, yes you can go to far the other way....   

[nascarxx29]

Radio fan and wipers are on the ignition switch.Maybe a intermitant connection

[bobs66440]

But why would the radio and fan not work? 

The radio and fan probably don't work because they rely on the ignition switch having power, whereas the lights and horn will work regardless. I agree, the neutral safety switch is probably bad. I found this testing procedure:

In order to test these switches, a voltmeter will be necessary. From the inside of the vehicle, if the car will not start in park, put the gearshift in neutral and try again. This bypasses the park position. Keep a foot on the brake when this is done since the car will roll in neutral. If the engine starts in neutral, the switch is bad. If it still fails to start proceed with the diagnosing.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the neutral safety switch. Have a helper turn the ignition switch to the start position and check for electrical power at the connector to the switch. There should be power on one terminal. Put the gearshift in reverse and check the connector again. Now there should be steady power for the backup lights. If there is power, install the connector and check the terminal from the backside for power coming out. If there is power coming out, the starter is in question. If there is no power, replace the switch.

Hope this helps.

[nascarxx29]

If you find yourself stuck .And pushing shifter harder into park didnt do it.There is a slanted terminal on the starter relay.That you can remove the wire.And jump a wire from that terminal to a good ground.To bypass the neutral safety switch.Be sure its in park as it will now start in any gear

[bluegrasscharger]

Thanks a lot guys!  I am pretty sure it's the neutral safety switch.  Since it has been acting up, it probably just finally died.  Looks like I can buy it at Autozone.