95 legacy auto trans problem (new to subaru, bear with me)

[elliott]

won't always start in park. micro switch in park position functioning correctly. but never saw lock solenoid function. not sure if brake has to be depressed, but didn't make a difference. at that point i was suspecting inhibitor switch on trans and contemplating making a jumper with switch for starting purposes. did find i could start it in neutral. but before i did any cobbling, i notice that when shifter is locked in park with motor running i am able to engage reverse by pulling back on the shifter a bit.
so now i'm thinking that adjustment is off somehow and when the shifter locks into park, it may not be as far up there as it ought to be and so not making the park position in the inhibitor switch....???
any ideas please.
thanks,
el

[chuckthefuk]

Can you please describe this issue with a bit more clarity. Also have you look at the factory service manual for you car?

[elliott]

thanks for the link on the manual.

there is an adjustment on the shift linkage. maybe a worn bushing preventing it to make full travel to 'park'. (that or the whole mess is rusting away and about to fall off.... beach car and before that salted roads in the northeast).
good description on adjusting the inhibitor switch if that is needed.

will post an update maybe with photo when i get back under the car.
thanks again for the link.

cheers
el